Isaiah 61 Reading Plan: See God Bring Beauty from Ashes

Isaiah 61 Bible Reading Plan

Isaiah 61 is a chapter rich with the promise of restoration, hope, and God’s unfailing love. As we enter 2025, it’s evident that Israel needs to be reminded of this promise, and maybe so do you. Going through this full-of-depth Isaiah Bible reading plan can help, and it includes related passages beyond just Isaiah 61.

The theme of Isaiah 61, “Beauty for Ashes,” reflects God’s transformative power to bring life, healing, and purpose out of the broken and barren places in our lives. So, let’s read and mediate on these powerful words from God’s Word and set the tone for this year.

Join us in following the Isaiah 61 Reading Plan for this month: explore how God’s promises restore the people of Israel and all who mourn, feel burdened, or long for renewal.

Let’s dive deeper into God’s promises of restoration, healing, and the Messiah’s mission.

Bible Reading Plan: Beauty for Ashes

For the next 28 days, we will give you a specific Bible passage to read and meditate on each day. They all connect to one special chapter in the Bible: Isaiah 61. Then, after every 7 days, you can spend more time reflecting what God is saying to you.

You can start the plan on any day that fits your schedule and follow it for 28 days. This means you can begin on January 1, this coming Sunday, or today!

Now, let’s get started.

Week 1: The Mission of the Messiah

Beginning with Isaiah 61, we see that the Messiah’s mission is divine healing and restoration. The Spirit of the Lord sends the Messiah to bind up the brokenhearted and set captives free. It extends to proclaiming the Lord’s favor and comforting those in mourning. Then, Jesus declares in Luke 4 that “today this Scripture is fulfilled”.

Day 1: Isaiah 61:1.
Day 2: Isaiah 11:2.
Day 3: Isaiah 61:2.
Day 4: Luke 4:16-21.
Day 5: Isaiah 53:1-6.
Day 6: Matthew 11:28-30

Day 7: Jesus’ mission is not only to redeem but also to bring peace and renewal to those weary from life’s burdens. This progression from brokenness to restoration reveals the heart of God for His people.

In what ways have you experienced the rest Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30, and how can you invite others to find that rest in Him?
How can we walk in the footsteps of the Messiah in our daily life, particularly in ministering to the brokenhearted or weary?

Week 2: From Ashes to Beauty

God forgives, heals, and crowns us with love and compassion, renewing our strength. Isaiah reminds us that God’s comfort is deeply personal—He has not forgotten us but holds us close, as a mother does her child. God’s restoration is not just about outward circumstances but about the renewal of our hearts and spirits.

Day 8: Isaiah 61:3
Day 9: Psalm 103:1-5
Day 10: Job 42:10-17
Day 11: Isaiah 49:13-16
Day 12: Jeremiah 30:17
Day 13: Psalm 23:3

Day 14: God brings restoration, renewal, and hope out of our most broken moments. Isaiah 61:3 paints a vivid picture of God’s promise to replace ashes with beauty. This week’s verses reflect not only God’s power but His tender care for His people.

What does it mean to you that God can transform “ashes” into “beauty”? How have you seen this transformation in your own life or in others?
How can adopting a “garment of praise” impact the way you respond to difficult or discouraging circumstances?

Outtakes from FIRM's upcoming Beauty for Ashes documentary

Week 3: Restoring Ruins

God has the power to rebuild what is broken and bring restoration where there is desolation. Nehemiah’s heartfelt prayer and determination to rebuild Jerusalem in the face of adversity serve as a powerful example of how God uses willing hearts to accomplish His restorative work. God is the ultimate restorer, and He will gather His people together.

Day 15: Isaiah 61:4
Day 16: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Day 17: Isaiah 58:6-12
Day 18: Ezekiel 36:33-36
Day 19: Psalm 147:2-6
Day 20: Isaiah 61:5

Day 21: This week’s passages challenge us to reflect on areas of brokenness in our own lives, communities, and the world around us. God is capable of rebuilding what is broken, but He also invites us to participate in His work of restoration as agents of healing, hope, and renewal.

What “ruins” in your life or community do you sense God calling you to help rebuild, and how can you respond with faith like Nehemiah?
Ezekiel 36:33-36 speaks of God’s transformative power. How does this promise of renewal inspire you to trust in His ability to restore even the most desolate situations?

Woman placing a note in the Western Wall, Jerusalem

Week 4: Living as Oaks of Righteousness

Isaiah 61:3 sets the foundation, describing God’s transformative work in making His people strong and upright, reflecting His beauty and righteousness to the world. Then, Jeremiah 17 emphasizes that trust in God is the key to this strength—like a tree planted by water, we are sustained by Him even in seasons of drought.

Day 22: Isaiah 61:6-7
Day 23: Jeremiah 17:7-8
Day 24: John 15:1-8
Day 25: 2 Cor. 5:19
Day 26: Isaiah 61:8-9
Day 27: Isaiah 61:10-11

Day 28: The Lord promises joy, restoration, and everlasting covenant blessings for those redeemed by Him. Let’s take up the challenge to live rooted in trust, abiding in Christ, and empowered by the Spirit to reflect God’s righteousness in all we do.

Jeremiah 17 describes a tree that thrives even in drought. What practices help you stay rooted in trust and nourished by God during spiritually dry seasons?
How do the promises in Isaiah 61:7-11 of everlasting joy and blessings encourage you to persevere in living out your faith?

Thank you for following the Isaiah 61 Bible Reading Plan!

God promises double portion and everlasting joy for His redeemed. Today and every day, take a moment to thank God for His covenant that is faithful and pours out blessings on His people. We also thank God for the Jewish people that He first established the covenant with.

We hope that this immersive Isaiah 61 Reading Plan encouraged deeper reflection and connection with God’s transformative promise of “Beauty for Ashes.”

This year, make a commitment to rely on God’s ability to redeem and renew every area of your life. At the same time, pray with us for the restoration of Israel, so that despair would be replaced with peace. We pray to see ashes exchanged for beauty and heaviness for praise.

High Holidays Bible Reading Plan – Free PDF Download

Explore the feasts of the Lord with us to see God’s heart for His people!

The High Holidays Bible Reading Plan will guide you through the upcoming holy days with the Word of God.

Get this PDF

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes