What is the meaning of Isaiah 61:2? To proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor • Isaiah announces an era of divine grace—foreshadowed by the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10), when debts were wiped clean, captives freed, and land returned. • Jesus identified Himself as the literal fulfillment of this promise when He read Isaiah 61 in Nazareth: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-21). • Paul echoes the same open door of mercy: “Now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Practically, this “year” is still open: – Sins can be forgiven through faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:7). – Spiritual captives are released from Satan’s grip (Colossians 1:13-14). – Every believer enjoys restored inheritance as children of God (Romans 8:16-17). And the day of our God’s vengeance • The same Messiah who proclaimed favor will one day bring righteous judgment. Isaiah pairs the two events, but Jesus stopped His public reading before this clause (Luke 4:19-20), signaling a prophetic gap between grace and judgment. • Scripture affirms a literal future “day” when God will vindicate His holiness: – “For the LORD has a day of vengeance” (Isaiah 34:8). – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). – “The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven… inflicting vengeance” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). • This is not random wrath but measured justice: – Evil is confronted (Revelation 19:2). – The oppressed are defended (Psalm 9:9-10). – God’s character is publicly vindicated (Revelation 15:3-4). To comfort all who mourn • Grace and judgment serve one purpose: to bring lasting comfort to those broken by sin and suffering. • Isaiah had already heard God say, “Comfort, comfort My people” (Isaiah 40:1). • Jesus repeats the promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). • How the Lord comforts: – By His presence—He is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). – By His promises—“Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). – By His ultimate renewal—“He will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4). • The invitation stands for every grief: personal loss, national tragedy, or the sorrow of repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). In Christ, mourning gives way to hope. summary Isaiah 61:2 unfolds in three clear movements: God opens a present age of grace, promises a future day of righteous judgment, and offers deep comfort to every aching heart. Taken literally, the verse points to Christ’s first coming (favor), His second coming (vengeance), and the ongoing ministry of the Spirit who binds up the brokenhearted until all mourning is forever turned to joy. |
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