Many of the events that occur in our lives often leave our hearts shattered and broken. It feels as though there is no longer any hope that can assure us of a steady path forward. In such situations, God softly calls us to trust once more and to hope that restoration will come, along with a life guided solely by the Lord. 

This is what the people of Judah may also have felt. God had indeed issued His decree that they would be permitted to return home. Indeed, God sent a liberator to begin this process. This liberation is proclaimed in a most magnificent and stirring manner in Isaiah 61. The passage opens with the appearance of the Servant of the Lord, who heralds a shift in the times from suffering towards holistic restoration. The Servant does not act alone, for God guides him. The Spirit of God is upon him to affirm that whatever the Servant does is the plan and decree of the Lord. The mission to be carried out by this Servant of the Lord is one of liberation, aimed first and foremost at those who suffer and are marginalised. It is as if to indicate a mandate that, in time, this liberated nation of Judah must also pay greater attention to the oppressed, for they themselves were once the oppressed and were set free by God. 

The year of the Lord’s favour comes when God’s justice is established and all people rejoice in God’s providence. Israel will present itself as the people of God who are truly submissive to the Lord. Living in His love and truth so that other nations may see God’s love and works through Israel. God restores His people to such an extent that this once-oppressed nation becomes a witness to God’s goodness. 

Dear Friends of the Bible, let us rise up and continue to stand firm in the face of the challenges and struggles that come one after another. Let us continue to surrender and trust in His work, for whatever happens brings about good and is part of His glorious plan. That is the journey of life we must undertake.  May the Lord strengthen and sustain our lives always.