Day 25 – Isaiah 61

The Gospel of Luke tells us that after Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, He returned to start His ministry in Galilee. He began by teaching the people in the synagogues, and the people responded warmly to Him. He then returns to Nazareth – His home town – and enters to synagogue on the day of worship to teach the people. And when the scroll of Isaiah was handed to him, he reads Isaiah 61:1-2 and declares that what was written in Isaiah has now been fulfilled in Him – that He was the living fulfillment of God’s promise to His people. And once again, the people were amazed at what He was saying.

Even today, people are still being amazed by the words of Jesus. The words that I read in Isaiah 61 are more than just words of promise. They are promises that were fulfilled in Christ. They are more than just words of hope and grace. Rather, they are hope and grace and mercy and righteousness that became a reality through the life of Christ. That’s awesome.

As I was reflecting on these verses, I couldn't help but to think of the old hymn that talks about our hope that is built on Christ and Christ alone. It goes something like this:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.