Reading
SAA Notes
This is what Jesus read from the Bible in the synagogue at Nazareth and said: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21 These are great words of what God is doing within history and of the end He is bringing.
SJA Notes
* Gracious Lord, please help us understand Your word today.
“… To proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;”
The day of vengeance seems to be wrapped around comfort to those who mourn.
God’s people were exiled from the earthly promised land for their disobedience. We know that they mourned their sin, that a portion returned, that they wept in sorrow at the loss that God’s people had endured (brought about by their own decisions).
Vengeance is the Lord’s. He is the only true Judge and is the only power who can bring about true judgement.
What then of us?
We have hope, a bright hope.
“… The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;”
We will be clothed in praise and anointed with gladness – Our mourning will turn to song!
* Faithful God,
Thank You for the everlasting covenant You make with us, Your people.
Thank You that in Jesus we see You keeping both sides of the covenant (because we cannot).
We trust in You this day.
Please help us today Lord God!
Amen.