Whom God Has Blessed

Justice, Law, History Justice for God's People Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)    Isaiah 61:4-9 The Message Announce Freedom to All Captives 61 1-7 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me     because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor,     heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives,     pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace—     a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—     and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,     give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom,     a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"     planted by God to display his glory. They'll rebuild the old ruins,     raise a new city out of the wreckage. They'll start over on the ruined cities,     take the rubble left behind and make it unique. You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks     and foreigners to work your fields, But you'll have the title "Priests of God,"     honored as ministers of our God. You'll feast on the bounty of nations,     you'll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble     and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled     and your joy goes on forever. 8-9 "Because I, God, love fair dealing     and hate thievery and crime, I'll pay your wages on time and in whole,     and establish my eternal covenant with you. Your descendants will become well-known all over.     Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once     like the people I have blessed."   For Reflection Yes, Isaiah had foretold it, Isaiah's soliloquy. Isaiah's mission is to express joy and hope to bring good news to the suffering Jews. Is this the year of the Lord's Grace, comfort for mourners, and discomfort for those leaders whose selfish plans move forward at the expense of the Common Good? In these times of pandemic and worldwide threats to justice, do we have the courage of Isaiah to let the Holy Spirit guide us into a new season of hope? Do we have the trust in God to preach good tidings in the face of our enemies? Do we have the compassion to bind up the broken-hearted and proclaim liberty to those imprisoned by their perceptions?   Are you willing to walk in the way of Christ? Pray Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide your life. Pray and let the Holy Spirit teach you. Pray and find a way to proclaim joy and hope. Pray and discover what you can do, however small, the gesture to bring comfort into people's lives. Forward to a friend