Hold the Line

35 years ago today, about this time, Jesus saved a little three year old boy by the name of Daniel. Whose name means, “God is my Judge.”

Luke 4:18-19, Jesus said quoting Isaiah 61:1-2a:“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

This is the first part of Jesus’ ministry. As the lamb of God, proclaiming the good news and God’s grace. John the Baptist’s name means God is grace. Jesus came to die and save that which was lost. So that whoever believes in Him will have peace and eternal life with God. He saved me.

The second part of Jesus’ ministry is coming. As the Lion of God, bringing God’s vengeance as Judge. Jesus did not quote that portion of the verse from Isaiah the first time He was here as it was not for that time. Behold the second coming. The prophet records the words of the Messiah in Isaiah 61:2b-3:

“…to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.”