Isaiah 59-61
Why did Jesus come? It’s all right here.
Man in his own “righteousness” was totally corrupt. Hands defiled with blood, lips speaking lies, tongues muttering perversity. No one pleading for justice or truth. (59:3-4) There was no hope for man in this state.
So God was going to send the hope: the Messiah. There was no one to intercede for man, so His own right arm brought salvation to them. The Redeemer was to come to Zion and to all those who turn to Him in Jacob. (59:30)
“Arise, shine for your light has come.” (60:1) There’s a new day on the horizon. No longer will the people have to remain in darkness; they can now come to the light.
And God will be the glory of His people. No longer will the sun be the light by day, but the Lord will be the light. They will be the work of His hands, and they will be glorified with Him.
Chapter 61 is the chapter Jesus quoted in His own hometown to introduce Himself as the Messiah. The local parishioners knew that these words spoke of the Messiah, for they had heard them read many times. But on this day, Jesus announced that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21).
“Blasphemy!” They screamed and tried to throw Him off the cliff. They had liked this young man up until this point, but He was calling Himself the Messiah, and they couldn’t take it!
There is more in the chapter for us to understand. We are there also. Those of us who believe in Jesus, and let Him lead us, will rebuild the old ruins and raise up desolations of many generations. We shall be named the priests of the Lord – and we shall be blessed beyond measure. With riches and honor. With garments of salvation. With robes of righteousness.
Let’s spend some time meditating on these scriptures today. His plan is awesome! If we’ll just partake.
II Thessalonians 3
Everyone should work. That’s Paul’s command to the Thessalonians, because there were some who were idling away their time, and becoming “busybodies.”
This concept can be a hard one to “get right.” Of course, when people have hard times, we want to be compassionate and share with them. Paul is not coming against true charity.
However, people were designed by God to be productive. There is greater satisfaction in a life lived with energy and drive than in a life lived in idleness. And further, everyone is expected by God to “do his part.” All working together for the good of all.
Laziness is not a godly attribute.
This is something to think about as we observe our modern customs.
