We’re nearing the middle of the week, which has probably been filled with its ups and downs and twists and turns. Perhaps you’ve been under a lot of stress, or just collapsing under the weight of this world. However, take heart! God reminds us that He always fulfills his promises and that He will surely deliver us from this world.
Read Isaiah 61.
Even in this relatively short chapter, there’s a lot to take in. This passage focuses on how Jesus fulfills God’s promise to us. The first three verses details the Annointed One’s mission aka Jesus’ ministry: to preach good news, proclaim freedom for the captives, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance, and to comfort those who mourn.
In fact, Jesus even read a part of this passage in Luke 4:18-19. It’s interesting that He stopped reading in the middle of the sentence, after the word “favor”. Why would He only quote half of it? By doing this, Jesus was showing that His work would be divided into two parts: He has already fulfilled the things mentioned in verses 1-2a during His time on earth.
In His second coming, He will do the things mentioned in verses 2b-3. When the Messiah comes, He will bring judgment on unbelievers, which is the “day of God’s vengeance”. However, the Messiah will also comfort Israel. When He returns, He will change Israel’s sadness to joy! There are a lot of shifts in imagery in this passage, such as wearing a crown instead of ashes, which is usually placed upon one’s head as a sign of mourning. The remaining eight verses of this chapter talks about God’s promises of restoration, glory and prosperity for Israel in the future. During this time, Jews and Gentiles will live together in harmony and peace. Well, what does this mean for us?
God truly cares about the broken, the lonely, the weak, the depressed, the outcasts, the prisoners, etc. These are not just empty words: God restores and then sends out those who have been redeemed to rebuild the ruins–other lives that are also broken. He sent Jesus to rescue us and demonstrate His love, kindness, and grace. Just as Christ has restored us, we should go out and be lights in the world, rejoicing and proclaiming to all what He has done for us.
In verses 10-11, the author speaks for the redeemed people who will rejoice in response to God’s blessings! He praises God for His message, His active presence, and His faithfulness to His chosen people. He is just overflowing with praise and thanksgiving!
Should we not rejoice as well? God has clothed us in garments of salvation and in robes of righteousness. This picture of joy is also shown in the jewels the bride wears and the bridegroom’s fancy clothes. We are no longer shackled by sin; rather, we have been set free in Christ! Take comfort in what God’s plan, and what is to come in the future. God has kept His promise by sending His Son to complete His mission on earth, and surely, God will continue to fulfill all of His promises.
Take a few moments to reflect on this passage. Remember that the Lord is our comfort and salvation. He can create beauty out of ashes, and joy out of our sorrow and mourning!
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