Living in Hope

MEMORY VERSE: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” —Isaiah 65:17

ISAIAH 61:1,2,8-11; Luke 2:25,26

WHEN Jesus began his preaching, in the synagogue at Nazareth, he declared that the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, 2 was being fulfilled through him. (Luke 4:18,19) Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit, or power of God, and thus authorized by his Heavenly Father to proclaim the glorious Gospel of the kingdom, and also to implement the promises of God pertaining to the blessing of all the families of the earth.

The “good tidings” referred to in the prophecy of Isaiah are the same as those announced by the angel when Jesus was born—good tidings of salvation, based upon the fact that a Savior was born, even Christ, the Messiah of promise. (Luke 2:10,11) These good tidings are intended for the “meek”; indeed, the proud and arrogant pay no heed to them. Jesus was faithful in ministering to those who, in meekness and humility, sought comfort and help from him.

Jesus also proclaimed “liberty to the captives” By nature all of Adam’s posterity are slaves of sin, being held captive by this cruel taskmaster. But Jesus offered freedom from sin. Through faith in his blood and dedication to the Lord’s will, one becomes a free man in Christ.

Jesus also proclaimed “the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” This refers to the resurrection of the dead, for the Bible likens the dead to captives. Jesus announced that the time would come when all in the graves would come forth. (John 5:28,29) Not only so, but he demonstrated that this would be possible by awakening Lazarus and others from the sleep of death.

“The acceptable year of the Lord” mentioned in verse 2 is a reference to the Christian era, when believers are invited to follow Jesus into sacrificial death. Paul refers to this as a “living sacrifice,” which, he said, would be acceptable to the Lord.

Jesus did not quote that section of verse 2 which speaks of “the day of vengeance of our God.” This is a reference to the great time of trouble which would come upon the world at this end of the age, and it was not the time to announce it in Jesus’ day. However, this commission of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel of the kingdom also applies to his dedicated followers, and it is our privilege today to proclaim the day of vengeance, for that great time of trouble is already upon us.—Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21,22

One of the original promises of God to bless mankind was given to Abraham. In this promise the Messiah is referred to as a “Seed” which would bless all the families of the earth. (Gen. 12:3; 18:18) In the New Testament we are told that Jesus and his faithful followers are this “Seed” of blessing. (Gal. 3:8,16,27-29) Through these, the knowledge of God’s glory will fill the earth.

These will be the rulers in the messianic kingdom. (Rev. 20:6) All mankind will be the subjects; and the natural descendants of Abraham will be the first in line of the living generation to receive those blessings. It is for this reason that they are now being assembled in Palestine.

The “robe of righteousness” is the merit of Christ’s sacrifice, provided for all who are now laying down their lives in God’s service. By wearing this “robe” their imperfect works are acceptable to God.

The new heavens and new earth mentioned in our memory verse are not a new universe. These terms are used to symbolize the spiritual and earthly phases of the messianic kingdom. Peter refers to this promise in his second epistle, chapter 3, verse 13. The Apostle John sees them in vision, and is assured that when they are established there will be no more death.—Rev. 21:1-4

QUESTIONS

How do we know that Isaiah 61:1,2 applies to the Lord’s people of the present age?

What is the “robe of righteousness” referred to in Isaiah 61:10?

What are the new heavens and new earth of Isaiah 65:17?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |