There are many people groups in the world that could be clans, castes, tribes…etc. All of them, especially those who are deprived and poor, want to turn their humiliation into pride. For that, they will adapt certain cultural symbols and create folklore of legends about their ancestors. One caste in India, that is given menial jobs, have imaginary heroes who have descended from a prominent king in history. Another caste claims that the author of popular or sacred books or poems written belong to their caste. Even in their humiliation, they seek identity, dignity and pride from imaginations, myths and legends. However, God promises five things for those who trust him, Isaiah writes: “to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) Did not the slaves in Egypt become a Great Nation?
1) Dignity: Headdress denotes dignity, instead of humiliation that is indicated by ashes. Those who believe in Him are adopted into God’s family as children of God. (John 1:12)
2) Gladness: Daily mourning because of mundane toil, hopelessness and purposelessness is changed to gladness. There is rejoicing and celebration in the Lord.
3) Garment of Praise: God promises that we are not overwhelmed by faint spirits but uplifted by garments of praise.
4) Righteousness: Believers are transformed to do good, so that their reputation in society is enhanced. They will be called as witnesses for truth. Hence, they will be called as oaks of righteousness. These oaks are planted by the Lord, will flourish like palm trees and grow like cedars of Lebanon. (Psalms 1:3; 92:12)
5) Glory to God: God graciously does these for humans who trust in Him, love Him and serve Him. The result is God is glorified or magnified for His love, mercy and grace.
Do I glorify God for giving me dignity, gladness, and righteousness?