How we can extend the grace of Jesus to the mourners around us
By Dean Collins
Isaiah 61 is a favorite of many. It is soothing to read, and it is one of the prophetic passages we can easily understand. Jesus confirmed our interpretation when he stood up in the synagogue in Nazareth and read part of this passage. When he sat down, there was a pregnant pause. As everyone stared at Jesus he said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. “ Luke tells us that the crowd marveled at his gracious words.
The crowd was right. These are gracious words. Isaiah 61 causes us to slow down and consider the gifts of healing that flow from Jesus. But these words also should stir in us a response. Those of us who claim a relationship with Jesus by surrendering our lives to him also share his ministry. Having been transformed by his mercy and grace, we have both privilege and responsibility to pass his grace to others.
The burden of grief
According to Luke’s Gospel account, Jesus read only the opening sentences of Isaiah 61. But the prophet had more to say about Jesus and his gifts to us. As I read Isaiah 61 this morning I was riveted on the third verse which begins, “to comfort all who mourn…”
Have you noticed the ever-growing crowd of people filled with grief in our current moment in history? To some extent, there are always people around the world experiencing loss and mourning. But today there are more and more people around the block from us who are grieving.
I’m sure our technology has made us more aware of the numbers of people who are experiencing the death of loved ones. It often took time before we learned of death and the health challenges of our friends and even family. But now with social media and texting, we receive daily updates on loss of health and loss of life. The reports of Covid deaths, Afghanistan violence, and suffering from natural disasters like Hurricane Ida threaten to overwhelm our capacity to deal with loss. Yet now more than ever is our opportunity to be a part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Our comfort for the mourning
Verse 3 mentions specific things we can offer to those who mourn:
Give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes
Give the oil of gladness instead of mourning
Give a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit
These are beautiful phrases, and yet giving someone a new headdress and some oil seems odd and unfamiliar. So what can we give to those around us who are stricken with and even overwhelmed by grief?
First and most importantly, we should offer prayers on their behalf. When we grieve, our hearts are heavy and our minds struggle to do even the most basic tasks. Prayer is often difficult in the middle of our mourning, but we can pray for those trying to cope with their grief. Our prayers bring life-sustaining strength and power that grief-stricken friends and family need.
We must also pray that God will show us when we need to come close and when we need to allow space for those who mourn. Rushing in to help is not always what’s needed. As we pray, it is often God who rushes in and surprises the mourning with his comfort, which is superior to ours in every way. But on the other hand, God can and does prompt us to go to our friends when they need a hug, a meal, a task taken care of, or simply another person to be quietly present. And when we are uncertain, then we should ask the person in grief for permission.
Our gifts of casseroles and cards can be helpful for sure, but those in the middle of grief need other practical help as well. It might be assistance with the yard, the house, the drop-off and pickup of children, or simply running errands.
Patience with the process
We must remember that feeling comfort and seeing hope is a process. It is not instant. We should offer our gifts with no expectation or need for a response. We have received God’s grace with no strings, and we should pass it along the same way.
The Scriptures are filled with verses that speak of comfort. These passages can be claimed for and prayed on behalf of those who mourn. And they can be passed along, of course, in simple texts and cards.
Maybe today is a day that the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words will happen through you as you extend the ministry of Jesus by your words and deeds.
Your time with God’s Word
Isaiah 61:1-4 ESV
Photo by Rémi Walle on Unsplash
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