Caribbean Moravian Devotions

The Lord has sent me to proclaim the year of the LordÂ’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God. Isaiah 61:1-2

The ServantÂ’s Song is a well-k known section of Isaiah. It reveals the joy with which the work of the Servant is carried out. Whether in the case of Israel or Jesus, the Suffering Servant had the aim of making things better for all. The proclamation however gives the choice which the servant brings. It is the choice between the favor, or the vengeance of God. As a prophet Israel had the responsibility to proclaim both to the rest of the world. The year of the LordÂ’s favor is a year of jubilee, a year of restoration. It was principled off IsraelÂ’s celebration of the year of jubilee. This was the time which occurred every seven years when the trumpet was blown, and liberty was proclaimed throughout all the land (Lev. 25:9-10). Slaves were set free, borrowed goods were returned, land was also given a break.

In a similar way, Jesus would come to proclaim universal liberty - liberty to all the world from the shame of sinfulness. The time of his coming would be a time when God would be pleased to proclaim through him universal emancipation from this ignoble bondage, and to restore to all the privilege of being the freedmen of the Lord. This is what Isaiah declared the Servant would do and this is what Jesus stated he would do.

The day of the Lord’s vengeance was language developed in Babylon as Israel awaited their deliverance. God’s justice against the enemy of His people would be swift. Also seen as applicable to the Redeemer and his preaching, this doubtless refers to the fact that his coming would be attended with vengeance on his foes when He comes to earth the second time to establish His Kingdom. He will put the enemies of the Church to flight. He is in control. He is the King, and He is coming someday to put down all rebellion; that will be "the day of vengeance of our God." Interestingly, the “acceptable time of grace” is a “year”; the time of “vengeance” but “a day”. Jesus, in Luke4:21 “closed the book” before this clause; for the interval from His first to His second coming is “the acceptable year”; the day of vengeance” will not be till He comes again (2Th. 1:7-9). Those who refuse to be restored during this year of restoration must face the wrath of God. Which will you choose?

I challenge you to think hard and choose wisely.

Till next Tuesday, be blessed!