As I drive into East St. Louis every day, I see something beautiful that stands out against the harshness of the city. There are many burned out houses in the city. One of them is on my route to the center and even though there is nothing beautiful about a burned out house, I saw two, beautiful red tulips growing against the backdrop of this ugly, dark house. It was a sign to me of what God wants to do with the city of East St. Louis... bring beauty from ashes.
Isaiah 61:3-4 (NLT)
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. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations.
Isaiah 61:3-4 (Message)
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.
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