Advent 3: Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11                           

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Three weeks in a row walking in the green pastures of the prophet Isaiah is almost too good to be true. Here we are once again. I’m glad you’re here. Today’s Old Testament reading begins with a passage that the Lord Jesus cites in the gospel through Luke. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” (61:1a). So begins Isaiah’s nearly descriptive portrayal of the Messiah of Israel. I say nearly because even the inspired words uttered cannot convey the full glory of the mission before the One we know as God’s Son. Isaiah does a masterful job, no doubt. And the first task he attributes to the anointed one is “bringing good news to the poor.” Any young child faithfully brought to God’s house for Sunday School learns that “good news” and gospel are one and the same. The declaration of God’s triumph over all evil, darkness and death. Yes the Messiah is first and foremost a preacher. But not only a preacher. Isaiah 53 gives a full account of the “I’ll do it” part of Messiah’s mission. In one sense Jesus our Savior not only proclaims the good news, but is the gospel personified.

Isaiah’s proclamation works for the redeemed/repentant ones of his own day. At the same time it looks forward to a day far in the future when all of God’s people will taste the full and lasting fruit of Messiah’s work. The Spirit of the Lord is upon this servant and he is tasked with bringing righteousness and justice to a hopelessly corrupt lot. 

All through the season of Advent hope is highlighted, but it is given to those who realize they have no reason to hope in themselves. Verse three characterizes these as “those who mourn in Zion.” The favor the Lord brings in both his comings is no mere good deed. No. It is the making of all things once horribly wrong and misshapen into something indestructibly right and beautiful. God forgives in this favor. God clothes in this favor. God exalts and promises in this favor. In fact nothing is left beyond the power and sweetness of His redemption. 

Those who receive this favor from the Lord rejoice because, “he has clothed me (us) with the garments of salvation; he has covered me (us) with the robe(s) of righteousness” (61:10a). And this is the hope, indeed the thrill which should fuel our hearts as we look through this season to remember His first advent and anticipate the sure and certain hope of His second.

Enjoying Isaiah? I hope so. Lots more to come. 

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!