Isaiah 61:1-11
Spoke last week of Wordless Book and its colors. How those colors relate to book of Isaiah. We think of those colors and principles initially with personal connection: my heart, I know, washed me, I’m told, I’ll walk, I read and pray. Isaiah’s message directed not to individuals but the nation; a nation steeped in sinful rebellion, out of which God would preserve a remnant. Yet the nation was made up of individuals. God would indeed deliver nation from captivity in Babylon. At the same time, promised deliverance for those who were captive in sin. Work of Suffering Servant know from Isa. 53 was work accomplished by Suffering Savior on Cross of Calvary.
But Isaiah doesn’t end with deliverance from Babylon, or even redemption from bondage in sin. Looks beyond simple context of Jesus’ first coming to what comes after. Remember view through telescope – includes near, far and what’s in between. Told in Chapter 60 to “rise and shine”; it’s a new day, actually new age in world history. The Son has arrived, has come with a mission – begin in time and space the process of restoration – rolling back the curse, restoring what was lost in the fall, and of course, ultimately more; far more.
What is character of time of “light and glory”? What makes it that kind of time? Easy to think of the gift of eternal life beginning when we cross the Jordan. Certainly begins a different phase of life but not the beginning. Jesus’ words in John 5:24
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Believer’s eternal life begins at the new birth, moment of conversion; important that there be ongoing signs of life for duration of earthly existence. Bible picture of true believer is not of one who makes profession of faith then flat-lines until they die and miraculously squeak through the pearly gates. In our text, given number of guiding principles about foundation and character of believer’s life. Prophet tells us something dramatic will happen: an anointed one will appear on the scene with a particular ministry; others will follow him to continue his ministry; results of their ministry will cause great rejoicing in the church.
A. ministry of Christ v.1-3
read passage, ask question same as Ethiopian about another passage: does prophet say this of himself, or someone else (Acts 8:34)
follow-up question: is it about social justice, political prisoners, economic inequities, access to healthcare, or something else
people of Isaiah’s day may not have had definitive answer; we do: Luke 4:16-21 Lord Jesus claims to be fulfillment
not once but twice; John the Baptist – are you the Promised One? Jesus stated “that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them” – evidence of his identity.
more to Jesus’ ministry than miraculous acts of healing; necessary to confirm he was sent from God but… (1-2)
central theme was proclaiming the gospel, good tidings; Mark begins account of Jesus: “Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.” (Mark 1:14)
gospel truth that brings healing to brokenhearted
gospel key to liberating captives, that opens door of sin’s prison house
gospel news tells of year of Jubilee – time when liberty, release from debts proclaimed to all (Lev. 25:10)
in order to deliver, Christ had to deal with oppressor – sin, Satan, death; then captives would be truly free
comfort and strengthen those who mourn (3)
again, remember Jesus: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4)
much misery and suffering in world; in good old days, too
what do we mourn – loss of something: of value, importance, that we hold dear, or, despair of ever having
particular emphasis here – mourning over sin, wasted years, squandered opportunities, broken fellowship
promise of the Gospel: those who repent (turn from) sin, turn to God as only one who can save will receive:
forgiveness and restoration – crown of beauty instead of ashes of repentance
cause for joyfulness and joy itself – oil of joy
attitude of worship and thankfulness – garment of praise – outward, visible, obvious
identification as enduring testimonies of God’s grace – trees – pointing to God – that he may be glorified
B. ministry of his people v.4-9
pronouns change from first person to second and third
One acting in v.1-3 began the work, now others must carry it on
Lord Jesus is cornerstone but he builds his church on foundation of apostles and prophets
Master Builder uses means, human instruments to continue work of Gospel ministry
Jerusalem rebuilt after return from captivity, people of God are built up from their sin-ravaged past (4)
once more, picture of God’s people include Jews and Gentiles, side by side, serving together (5)
middle wall of partition removed (Eph. 2:14) – full freedom of access to God regardless of gender, heritage, social status
all of God’s people are priests in this new (read, present) age of redemptive history (6)
not just descendants of Aaron, not even all Jewish believers – all the redeemed
only mediator necessary is Lord Jesus, also our high priest
all God’s people have privilege of offering sacrifices: bodies (Rom. 12:1); praise (Heb. 13:15); spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5)
no longer shameful condition (7-8)
captivity/slavery to wrong master is shameful
whether Israel captive in Babylon
or people enslaved to sin and Satan
good master blesses servants with honor
in this case – promise of honor and blessing beyond this life – everlasting joy, everlasting/permanent covenant
blessings given will never be lost – have been earned for them by Lord Jesus
those united to Christ by faith participate in blessing; not one with Christ, no claim to blessing
promise to Abraham – “in your Seed all families …will be blessed”; Paul tells us that means “in Christ” (see Gal. 3:16, 29) – “if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Gospel progress among the nations (9)
Abraham’s seed, the heirs, are tasked with proclaiming message of promise to nations by Word and deed
character of life of Christ’s servants obvious to those around
known as descendants of Abraham, acknowledged as blessed of the Lord
same Spirit that is on Christ – v.1 – poured out on his servants; he (the Spirit) will produce fruit. Gal. 5:22 “the fruit of the Spirit is…”, not sometimes, not might be, is
remember promises of verse 3: God’s people must demonstrate they have received them, are living on them, declaring them to all who will listen
if you turn from reliance on self, …etc., turn to God in faith believing…., he will do this
deal with your sin and shame – forgive and restore fellowship
remove your filthy fig leaves – dress you in righteousness of Christ
fill emptiness of your soul and life with himself
make you a trophy of his grace that he may be glorified
that’s good news which must be lived and proclamed unashamedly to men, women, boys, girls
C. the church rejoices v.10-11
great rejoicing (rejoicing I will rejoice) over what God accomplishes (10)
joy of God’s people is in him because
he has saved them
he has declared them righteous and is making them righteous
he has brought them into close relationship – bride and bridegroom
joy of God’s people is in him because
he has saved others
he has declared others righteous and is making others righteous
he has brought others into close relationship – bride and bridegroom
accomplished as God works (11)
through his people
to advance Gospel throughout world
by his Spirit
to bring about conversion at hearing of the Gospel
Lord Jesus’ declaration that he would build his church (Matt. 16:18) not first time promise was given; it’s a covenant promise that began in Garden, was given further scope and meaning to Abraham, final full revelation given in New Testament. His church not yet complete, why we’re still here.
Lord Jesus didn’t begin his ministry 2000 years ago with idea that it eventually would peter out for lack of support. Intended it to be carried on until every last square foot of planet where there are ears to hear has been blanketed with the Gospel. Requires faithful servants, absolutely sold-out to their Master, holding nothing back, who sacrifice everything for His sake. BTW, applies to all his servants, not just select few.
Let me put it another way: if you were hauled into court today on charge of being “servant of Christ”, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you? Would witnesses from among family, workplace, community, as well as church be able to go beyond opinion, offer solid evidence and convince a judge beyond reasonable doubt? And when the judge renders verdict, would God agree with it?
That is sort of servant Lord Jesus desires to do his work. Those who will carry a credible message of forgiveness and salvation and hope to corner store, local school, professional building, inner city mission, around the world. Will be true of us when beauty of Jesus is seen in us. May that be true of us.
