Isaiah 61:4 (NIV): They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
The word 'rebuild' here (from the word 'banah' in Hebrew) is defined as 'to set up (again), or to obtain children/offspring (again)'. It speaks of one's life (or any area of one's life) being re-built, i.e. 'to be built from ruins again', or 'to be set up from ruins again'.
Though Isaiah 61:4 is about 'broken or ruined cities', I believe this verse also speaks of 'the souls of men'. A broken soul is very much like a city that has been broken down and with no walls (of protection), or like a house in ruins.
The word 'renew' here is 'chadash' in Hebrew, which means 'to be new, to be fresh'. This word speaks of 'a new beginning', as you 'look not behind you, but look ahead' for a much better new year. It is from this word 'chadash' that 'Rosh Chodesh' (meaning 'Head of the Month') comes from.
Note: 'Rosh Chodesh' is a joyful celebration to the Lord, held on the first day of every Hebrew month. It is a time to gather together to seek the Lord (and His direction) for the month ahead. This celebration is also called New Moon Festival - a new, fresh month (to look forward to).
The other day, I heard these words from the Lord in a time of prayer:
"This is a time to be rebuilt and renewed for many of My people!"
People of God, if you have gone through a difficult time (even a crisis or tragedy) in the previous year, God wants you to know that His heart is very near you this year, and He is here to rebuild and renew you in any area that you may have suffered 'devastation'.
He is able (no matter what you've gone through), and His anointing is here.
One key chapter you can meditate on as you cross the threshold of year 2015 is Isaiah 61. This chapter begins with these first two verses: 'The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...'
This anointing (or enabling/empowering) opens the way to a time of rebuilding and renewing, as written in Isaiah 61:4, and is now here for you to receive.
By the way, the word 'renew' ('chadash') here is also translated as 'repair' (in NKJV). See the words 'Re - pair' here? In other words, 'to have a new pair of wings (again)' or 'to give you a new pair of wings (again)'! And that's what He is going to do for you this month, if you look to Him! It's a new start! A new beginning, so that the 'eagle' can soar again, renewed and refreshed for the many months ahead!
People of God, are there areas in your life that need a 'Re -pair' at the moment? How about your health, stamina, or strength? Or maybe in your career, business, or ministry life?
This is your time for the Lord to 'Re -pair' and mend your broken 'wings', and make them 'new, fresh again'. As a matter of fact, you need a pair of wings to fly! One wing won't make it! And this is the time and season for 'Re - pair' for many of you in the Body of Christ!
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV) says, 'He gives power (now, that's the anointing!) to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint'.
Mount up (and soar), then run, and finally walk. Do you see a 'cycle' here! And if the 'eagle' never gets replenished, it will eventually faint!
As believers, you too are like the 'eagles' who (by His grace) are able to rise above and over every storm that the enemy conjures up against you!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there is a time (i.e. due season) for everything (every purpose), and I believe for many of you, this is a time to wait on the Lord and be renewed in your strength.
By the way, the word 'wait' here in Isaiah 40:31 is never 'passive', but is the word 'qavah' in Hebrew, which can mean 'to collect, to gather, to look patiently to'. In this context, I can phrase it this way: 'Those who collect from the Lord, gather from the Lord, and look patiently to the Lord shall renew their strength'. How? Worship the Lord, dig into (and meditate on) the Word, and of course, pray in the spirit as often as you can this month!
And as you 'qavah' on the Lord, I believe you'll begin to see 'your evening is past, and your morning has come'. It's like you feel so rejuvenated in the morning after a good night’s sleep! Lamentations 3:22-24 says, 'Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They (the Lord's mercies) are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion", says my soul, therefore I hope in Him'. Amen.
