Beauty from Brokeness - Charlaine Martin

Focus Verse:

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    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.

Isaiah 61:3 NIV

I love doing crafts during the holiday season. This year, since I’ve gathered a lot of sea shells, I decided to make Christmas decorations, shell candles, and jewelry. Sorting through for the best shells, I noticed several broken ones, and those worn over time tumbled by the waves and sand on the beaches we visited. After using several of the “perfect ones,” I debated what to do with broken shells. I set a couple out on the counter, my temporary workstation. Suddenly, a light bulb moment popped into my head. Aren’t we much like my shells? Broken?

Dig In

In our passages, we read the account in Isaiah and Luke that God will bring a year of Jubilee. Jubilee was a period of every forty-nine years in Leviticus 25 when debts were canceled, enslaved people were freed, and land that had been sold reverted back to the original owners.

In Luke 4, when Jesus stepped up to the podium in the Jewish Synagogue in Nazareth, the Jewish Rabbis, scribes, and those who came to hear God’s Word explained didn’t expect what He would say after His reading, “Today this scripture is filled in your hearing.” Jubilee had come!

Brokenness. Jesus saw the people’s brokenness. They wanted a Messiah to rescue them from Roman occupation and restore Israel to its former glory. He shared the good news with them, yet they did not get it. We don’t always get it, either Do we?.

Jubilee and Shells

My shells represent us—broken people. Often discarded as ugly, useless, and therefore unwanted, God showed me their beauty. As I worked with them, I came up with interesting snow scenes, whether an interesting fragment or one chalky white. As I painted them and added embellishments, the Lord showed me how we are all broken in many ways. Some of us were damaged early in life, believing no one would want us. Others had a large hole in them, reminding me that some people live life grieving the losses of many kinds. Yet others are worn down from years of friction to chalky white, for those who’ve lived a hard life but bearing heavy burdens. But the greatest surprise—the “perfect ones.” We would like to think that the perfect ones represent all the good life has to offer. But we forget that shells come from dead sea creatures washed up on the shore. These represent people who believe they have everything, only to come up empty. All of these are damaged and dead, which represent those who Jesus came to save.

From Broken to Beautiful

Do you find yourself like any of these shells? Maybe you’ve been broken early in life and can’t see how God can love you. Or perhaps you have a huge hole in your heart and can’t bear to decorate for Christmas because someone you love is missing. Maybe you’ve led a hard life, barely making ends meet, wandering through life aimlessly, wishing life would get better. Or maybe you feel like you had life by the tail, “born with a silver spoon in your mouth,” yet you wonder if there is something more, yet something is missing. Jesus came for you. He came to bind up the brokenhearted, set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the Year of the Lord’s favor. He came to turn your ashes into beauty. Bring healing to you. Free you from your addictions. He came to save you by setting you free from sin.

Invitation to Jubilee

Would you accept the Year of Jubilee Jesus offers you? Salvation is a free gift, and you cannot earn it. You only need to accept it as yours. If so, I invite you to pray:

“Lord, I’m broken and dead in life. I want what you offer: abundant life and freedom from all that holds me captive. Jesus, come into my life. Be my Savior. Not just that, but be my Lord. Guide and direct me. I love You, and thank You for saving someone like me. In Your Precious Name, Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, let me know. I would love to rejoice with you! Also, I recommend that you get into a Christian church that proclaims Jesus as Savior and Lord, and teaches the truths in the Bible. Talk with the prayer team or the pastor about your decision for Jesus. They can help you in your newfound faith.

Do you already know Jesus yet feel broken? Keep this passage handy and read it regularly. Think of ways God had turned your ashes into beauty. Feel free to email me.

Many Blessings to You!