After experiencing a glimpse of God’s glory as He works in our lives, we know it’s more beautiful than words can describe. And, as Christian educators, we desire to bring that same life-changing, beautiful glory with us into our schools so others can experience it. However, this mission can be difficult, especially amid the stress, discouragement, and exhaustion many educators feel during this time of year.

Thankfully, in Isaiah 61, we can find an encouraging message of restoration and empowerment written to the Israelites, a group of people who were also discouraged, exhausted, and in desperate need. 

The Israelite people had been driven from their homes and held captive by the Babylonians for decades. They felt profound hopelessness, grief, and despair while living in exile. However, this prophetic poem offered the Israelites hope that they would once again experience and even share His beautiful glory with the nations around them.

Isaiah first speaks of God’s plan to “bind up the brokenhearted,” “proclaim release to captives,” and “comfort all who mourn” (vs 1-2, LSB), indicating that healing, freedom, and restoration were in store for the Israelites.

Then, verse 3 provides more details, saying that the Israelites will be given “a headdress instead of ashes, the oil of rejoicing instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.” This imagery resembles the ceremonial garments and actions of the priests—symbols of those who are set apart to serve, implying that after God restores them, He will equip the Israelites for communion with Himself and service to others (similar to the calling of priests).

Verse 3 goes on to say that the Israelites “will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that He may show forth His beautiful glory.” After being restored, they would be strengthened, appointed, and empowered as ministers to show the surrounding nations His beautiful glory.

The state of the Israelites, while exiled in Babylon, reminds me of the burnout many educators are facing. Like the Israelites, some even feel like exiles in a foreign land while serving in their schools. 

But, we can find hope when we look at the promises God gives the Israelites in Isaiah 61. For the Israelites, it served as a reminder that God had not forgotten them. And this message can also encourage us today. 

Christian educator, I want you to know that God sees you. Through the power of His Spirit, He can free you from emotional bondage, heal your brokenness, and renew your passion for teaching. As you embrace His restorative presence this new year, He will also empower you to display His beautiful glory in your schools.

If you are struggling with weariness or discouragement, contact Christian Educators at christianeducators.org/prayer-request. We would love to pray with you.