Joy everlasting
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:1-3 NLT
The hope given to those who commit themselves to God receives a joy everlasting. This is what the gospel promises. From the text, Isaiah continues to provide a message of hope. Those who place their trust in God will never be disappointed. They will be freed from disappointment and poverty. The Lord Jesus Christ quoted this passage when He claimed that He is the fulfillment of this prophecy. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:18-21). The Lord Jesus Christ came to heal our brokenness. We might feel down and forsaken, but God came to turn such emotions to comfort and joy. The good news that Jesus preaches tells us that He already won the victory for us. Everything that you think and feel that hold you or are against you, Christ declared them defeated for in Him there is new life. Today the message of the gospel continues to free people from the bondage of sin. The day of His coming as described by Isaiah was the “time of the Lord’s favor.” This is when we open up our lives to Him and receives His grace and mercy. But it will not be always open for there will be a “day of God’s anger against their enemies.” This is when the door of grace will be shut off forever. While the opportunity to hear the gospel and respond to His grace is still open, let us make sure that we have responded and are ready to experience the joy everlasting.
Blessings,
