God's Promises

I am so glad that Jesus picked this passage in Isaiah (see below) to read when He was in the temple. It is messianic, for sure, but it also speaks of a broader promise, and reveals something of God's character. He is the God of redemption, of second chances, and the God of love. He is a God who sees the plight and feels the pain of His children, and in the right moment, He will come down and proclaim 'the year of His favor'. Translation: The time will come when He turns the tables and begins His redemptive work.

By far, His greatest work was finished on the cross. But He still longs to do smaller, yet still powerful works in each of our lives. Release from addiction, comfort for those suffering, freedom from the lies of the enemy. When God comes, He brings with Him love to comfort, power tools to do the redemptive work (some might call this strength, but i prefer to see him with a powerdrill!), and clarity. He always comes with clarity. Because there is no confusion with God. He is true and righteous. And that's good news.

If you are one of my many friends struggling right now (it seems we all get accosted with life at the same time, doesn't it?! i have theories on that), know this: God is faithful. He will deliver you. He promises it. Read Isaiah's words below and take comfort. Lean on Him, not your own understanding. He is already at the door, ready to save. :)

Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

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

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.

8 "For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.