Week 4: A Mantle of Praise | 2023 Pre-Conference Devotional

“What exactly is it that you need prayer for?,” Deacon E asked me as I finished giving him my prayer request through my tears. Still sobbing and a little confused, I replied, “I need prayer because I like girls.” We repeated ourselves maybe once more to each other before he gently placed his hand on my shoulder and told me to come by his office later in the week. He said we clearly had different views on “this subject,” and he wanted to talk with me about my request (and tears) when we had more time.

Honestly, had I not shared those moments with Deacon E, I do not know that I would be experiencing gladness instead of mourning—I don’t know that I’d have a mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. I am not sure that reversal would have occurred for me. When I reflect on my life, I thank God for the call that was put on Deacon E’s life ”...to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:3 NRSVUE).

I guess now is a good time to wish you a Merry Christmas. We have been waiting, and the Christ-child is here. We are rejoicing because Jesus, a first century Palestinian Jew, has been born. The man we proclaim as Savior has entered the world by way of the Lord’s servant Mary. Her song of praise (Luke 1:51-53) for this child she bore echoes the call of the servant and what is promised in our text. Personally, I thank God for Jesus living up to Mary’s song of praise by coming into this world and being a subversive force. He was countercultural and sought justice for the oppressed. Jesus, too, was called “...to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:3 NRSVUE).

The prophet here is speaking of a divine reversal to achieve a sense of justice in the lives of the people to whom he has been called. God has called for this prophet to literally undo the systems that would cause those most marginalized to feel anything other than joy, gladness, and strength. 

Although this passage of Scripture is not addressed to us as the readers, it does not mean there is nothing of value here for us. Maybe you need a reminder and encouragement: the same God who called Isaiah to do this reversal made sure it was so for you through Jesus and those in your life who have helped you have this reversal experience. 

Or maybe you need a reminder that you are called to engage in this work of divine reversal for God’s justice present-day. We, as followers of Christ, are called to be the incarnation of this good news to oppressed folks in our midst. Deacon E, Jesus, and Isaiah took seriously the call on their lives to undo oppressive systems that oppose liberation. 

Are you doing your part to ensure that those who have a faint spirit right now will someday be given a mantle of praise?

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