Isaiah 61 is the prophetic word for this church this year. And wouldn’t you know it, the word itself is prophetic. I know some people immediately push back and say, “That’s Old Testament. That applied to someone else.” I get that reaction because I’ve been there too, but this is a living, breathing word of God.
The Word is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is not just a historical record for one group of people at one moment in time. It did apply to them, but it also applies to us right now because the Holy Spirit said it applies to us this year. That is where we set our faith.
Have you ever read a scripture you’ve read a hundred times, and suddenly it comes alive in a brand-new way? That’s because the Word is living and breathing. So don’t let the enemy talk you out of believing it with nonsense that says you can’t receive this for yourself. I’m going to believe this because the Holy Spirit said, “This is for you.”
The prophet writes:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it the day of God’s anger against their enemies.” (Isaiah 61:1–2, NLT)
This is not just poetic language. This is a declaration of God’s intention. It is the Lord saying, “This is what I am doing, and this is what I am releasing.”
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” (Isaiah 61:3, NLT)
This is the year you trade in the ashes and pick up the blessing. This is the year you trade sickness for healing, lack for prosperity, and despair for praise. Everything the enemy has tried to pile on you, the Lord is offering an exchange.
Look at your neighbor and say, “Trade it in.”
When you trade something in with the Lord, He doesn’t do it like a car dealer. If you’ve ever traded in a car, you know how it goes. They give you a number that makes you think, “That thing is worth way more than that,” and then they inch their way up while you hold your ground.
I was just with a dealer recently, and we were thousands of dollars apart. I told them what I wanted, they kept coming up slowly, and I refused to budge. Eventually, they walked away from the deal. That’s how car dealers work.
But God is not a car dealer. When you bring Him ashes, He doesn’t negotiate. He doesn’t lowball you. He gives you beauty, every single time.
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations.” (Isaiah 61:4, NLT)
You ought to receive that for Mexico. Rebuild it. Revive it. Bring life to that place in Jesus’ name.
This is what the Lord does. He takes places, people, and dreams that look abandoned and breathes life back into them. Nothing is too far gone when God steps in.
“Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards.” (Isaiah 61:5, NLT)
That verse can feel a little strange at first, but here’s what it really means. The Lord wants to help you, and sometimes that help comes through people. The problem is that many of us respond by saying, “I got this.”
We’ve all done it. God sends help, and we push it away out of pride or independence. I’m preaching to myself here too. Stop saying, “I got this,” when God is trying to support you.
“You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and you will boast in their riches.” (Isaiah 61:6, NLT)
This is where some people get uncomfortable. The Bible says there will be a transfer of wealth, and it will come into the hands of the righteous. But when it comes, we are not supposed to hide it.
We are supposed to say, “Look what the Lord has done.” Not out of pride, but out of testimony. Watch what God builds through it. Watch what He does with it. Watch the church rise, and watch lives change.
“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” (Isaiah 61:7, NLT)
Anybody want everlasting joy? Anybody want a double portion?
This is not hype. This is God speaking. Shame is being replaced with honor, and lack is being replaced with abundance.
“For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.” (Isaiah 61:8, NLT)
This is the Lord Himself talking. He is making it clear that He sees what has been taken, what has been lost, and what has been endured. And He promises to reward His people.
“Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are people the Lord has blessed.” (Isaiah 61:9, NLT)
How will they know? Because we will not hide what the Lord has done. We will say it out loud. Look what the Lord has done. He healed my body. He cleansed my mind.
This is not boasting in ourselves. It is boasting in Him.
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God, for he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10, NLT)
The Lord does this publicly. He clothes His people in a way that is visible. His justice will be seen, and His praise will rise from the nations.
This is the word of the Lord for this year. Believe it. Receive it. And trade it in.
