Isiah 61 & 62

Reading in Isiah 61 & 62 this morning - they give such hope. It's like he's got through the whole book with threats of terrible consequences on the nation of Israel and now we're at the end of the book and God just has to release a torrent of blessings. It's like a father who has had to be very sturn with his kids and he just can't keep it up any more and has to give them a huge hug!

It was like me last night with Josh & Lydia. They were being horrid to each other: Lydia was holding onto CDs that were Joshua and Joshua was being his usual bombastic self. I had to do a bit of a Judge Judy with them but half way through giving judgement on Joshua I burst into laughter - they were both being ridiculous and I couldn't keep the sturn facade up any more!

A few things to pick out of the text:

1. vv 60:10 - 17 - the blessing of God's rest which is an image of salvation here expressed in terms of peace from Israel's enemies

2. vv 60:18-20 An image of heaven - the sun & moon are no more and God is our light.

3. vv 61:1 & 2 The acceptable year of God's favour. Total unmerrited grace - God blesses me - not because I've done anything to deserve it, but because He loves me.

I had a good prayer time this morning leading into this short study. I continue to pray for a better day than I had yesterday and more especially that I will be a blessing to others.

God is good.