Double Blessing

Isaiah 61:1–9 NIV84

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

1. You are blessed to be a blessing

Realize that you have been anointed by God to be a blessing

You need tp proclaim freedom to the captives

Don’t scare them, free them

Set the captives free, don’t enslave them again

2. Your purpose is to be a witness for Jesus

Live your life to honor Him

You are more than just gifted

You are a witness for Jesus

3. Speak victory over defeat

Don’t speak what you see

Speak what you were promised

Let the weak say, “I am Strong”

Let the poor say, “I am Rich”

Let the sick say, “I am Healed”

4. Trials are not terminal

This is only a test

In this world you will have trouble

But take heart, He overcame the world

You are more than an overcomer

This too shall pass

5. Your faithfulness placed you in a season of Double Blessing

You will not get what you deserve

Instead of shame - a double portion

Instead of disgrace - an inheritance - double portion of land

Instead you will get everlasting joy

Your future is changing

Your children will be blessed

This blessing will outlast your life and continue through your bloodline