If you are able, watch the video and listen to “Spirit of the Sovereign Lord” by Theway Church Ministries.
Isaiah 61 is one of my favorite passages. Isaiah is speaking prophetically (about 700 years prior to the fulfillment), and we read in Luke 4:18-19 when Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 with such authority that all eyes are fastened on him. Jesus then told the synagogue, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” It is an extraordinary passage, declaring healing for the brokenhearted, freedom for the captives, bestowing a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (This is particularly meaningful as ashes symbolized mourning or repentance – Jesus was saying NOW is the time to trade in the ashes!)
But wait – there’s more!
Verse 6: You will be called priests of the Lord; you will be made ministers of our God! This is for us too! I have an anointing from the Holy Spirit because of Jesus!
This results in restoring the ancient ruins. If you’ve ever been involved in the restoration of a building, you know it is more work to fix what is broken that it is to start building with something new. But the God of the Universe sees the value in the old and ruined, and he sees value in rebuilding the brokenness in my life. This really gives me hope; I’ve experienced this in my life, and I’ve also have seen many families where multiple generations are affected by substance abuse, abandonment, theft, witchcraft. What assurance to know God is still in the rebuilding business!
Verse 7: We’re given a double promise that we will receive a double portion. I have a thing about doubles. I have twin grandsons, a college roommate was a twin (we remain great friends), I’ve taught many sets of twins over the years (one memorable first grade, I had three sets of twins); even my license plates have two sets of double numbers! God is telling me, “Hey, pay attention! I really mean it! You’re not just getting an inheritance; you’re getting a double portion and you will have everlasting joy.” My joy is found in my salvation! Everyone will see we are people the Lord has blessed; he has set us apart – this is for me and my offspring!
Chapter 62: This chapter shouts “Vindication is coming!” For the sake of his people the Lord will uphold and exonerate them. This is found throughout Scripture. Psalm 135:14 says “For the Lord will vindicate His people and will have compassion on his servants.”
Ch. 63 – This chapter goes on to describe, with some detail, God’s vengeance on behalf of Israel. I looked up Bozrah – it was the capital of Edom. Who is coming first to Bozrah? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.” God is promising redemption. Jesus alone accomplished this. Jesus himself took my punishment.
Then verse 7 switches to the voice for those in exile. They go back remembering the many things God did for their ancestors. Yet in all their distress, God, too, was distressed. As a parent feels the pain of a wayward child, so God feels the distress of his children. The chapter ends with prayer, asking to be restored, reminding God that for Hissake they can appeal to him.
Ch. 64: Again, a remembrance of God’s great works, and asking for help.
Verse 4: “…no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” (This makes me think of Namaan in 2 Kings 5. He waited for his healing from leprosy, washing in the Jordan River seven times. What if he didn’t wait on God, and stopped after washing six times?!) I wrote in my margin, “how long am I willing to wait??”
Verse 6: Wow, even my “righteous” actions are diminished because I am stained with sin. I am only righteous because of the blood of Jesus.
Ch 65: The heading in my Bible says “Judgment and Salvation.” After judgement, the righteous will live long lives, living in houses.
Verses 23,24—some of my favorite promises: “They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants after them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” I can live in anticipation (not dread!) knowing He knows my needs, desires, challenges before I bring it to him! (A side note – I have a date written next to the passage but I’m not positive what was going on then! Even the date is a reminder to me to not lose heart!)
Chapter 66: This last chapter in Isaiah is a sobering and victorious proclamation that God does repay his enemies. Jerusalem will be delivered – a prophecy for the future. He will comfort his people, gathering them and sending them out proclaiming the Good News. This is for us, too. I have a dear friend who has reminded me that God is my boss, and our workplace can be as much of a mission field as a foreign country. God’s judgement and restoration WILL take place.
Throughout Isaiah, we see God calling his people back time after time, ready to offer comfort and reconciliation. In my own life, I have experienced myself growing cold, following shallow pursuits, as God waits for my whole-hearted devotion. If you have experienced this, take heart; the promises written hundreds of years ago are just as true today.
