04-Jan-2025 – This is an acceptable year
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn. — Isaiah 61:1-2
Today, God is encouraging us by reminding us of His will, desire, and plan for us this year. As we enter the first week of the new year, God wants us to set our perspectives right and prepare ourselves to receive all that He has prepared for us.
The verses we have referred to, particularly others in this chapter, are well-known and often used as blessings and promises. Today, we will understand for whom this encouragement is intended.
If we observe the verse carefully, we notice the condition of the people: they are meek, brokenhearted, captive, imprisoned, and mourning. But why are they in such a state? Are they innocent victims of injustice? To answer this, we need to revisit a few chapters earlier:
“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.” — Isaiah 59:1-4
Their current situation is the result of their iniquities. Because they disregarded the law and will of God, indulging in actions that went against Him, their circumstances turned dire. In other words, they paved their own path to destruction by straying from the path laid out by God’s word.
As the righteous Judge, God allowed their punishment so they might reflect on their circumstances and recognize the reasons behind them. But why is God sending them good tidings?
“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.” — Isaiah 59:16
The heart of the heavenly Father longed for them. He could not abandon them in their suffering, even though their wickedness had brought it upon themselves. As the righteous Judge, He judged them and allowed them to face captivity, loss, and suffering. But as a loving Father, He opened a way for their salvation.
“And thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.” — Isaiah 60:16
God reminds His children of an essential truth: He Himself is their Savior. There is no other Savior besides Him. He is their Redeemer, the Mighty One, against whom no one can stand. Their position is, in fact, the most privileged, for the almighty, all-knowing, all-controlling, loving, and kindhearted God is on their side as their Savior, Redeemer, and Father.
But how can God change their situation? They are suffering because of their sins. From another perspective, they are wrongdoers, and how can God help them?
“For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” — Isaiah 61:8
“Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” — Isaiah 60:21
God emphasizes that He does not condone unrighteousness but instead transforms the unrighteous to righteousness. He will teach, lead, and arrange everything around them, giving them another opportunity to return to Him and enjoy His heavenly care, prosperity, and joy. That is why He declares:
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek…To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.” — Isaiah 61:1-2
Until now, you may have been in unfavorable situations. You might have lost opportunities, failed in your career, business, family, or personal life. But today, God is encouraging you to remember your relationship with Him.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
If you are in Christ, you are a new creation. Remember this truth and listen to the good tidings of God. Forget whatever has happened until now. This year is the acceptable year of your Lord. He is ready to lead you through righteous paths to bless you abundantly. Will you respond to His loving call?
Prayer:
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for Your willingness to set my life on a fruitful path. Thank You for reminding me how much You love me. Even though I am responsible for my current difficult situations, You are ready to change them and transform them into glorious circumstances to glorify Your name in my life. I thank You in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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