Slavery still exists in some parts of the world—Niger, for example. One human rights group estimates the number of slaves there at 43,000. In 2003, the country amended its law to penalize slaveowners with prison time. One chieftain offered to free his 7,000 slaves rather than face punishment. But the government felt embarrassed to admit that slavery actually existed, so it declared that it didn't, cancelled the manumission ceremony, and the slaves weren't freed after all.
Throughout his book, Isaiah proclaimed that repentance and God's forgiveness would set Israel free from sin. He knew the nation wouldn't listen during his lifetime, so he looked forward in time to a better day. Though then the nation followed “gods” as insubstantial as cobwebs (59:6), there would come a glorious day when sin would be acknowledged, the Lord would balance the scales of justice, and righteousness and integrity would once again characterize His people. That day would be like dawn breaking into the darkness (60:1-3). Some of this was fulfilled in Israel's return from exile in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem. But other descriptions are still in the future, such as the reign of peace and prosperity and God being the “everlasting light” of His people (60:20).
These layers of fulfillment were indicated by Christ in Luke 4:16-21. Jesus quoted the messianic announcement that opens Isaiah 61, but stopped after verse 2a. The Messiah was all about justice, freedom, holiness, and redemption, but these purposes and qualities would be manifested differently in His first advent than in His second. The gospel came with His Incarnation, but the kingdom won't come in power until He returns. That day will see the glorious “wedding” of God and His people, a day of celebration and consummation toward which all of history is moving. On that day we shall all be “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (61:3).
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Friday, June 29, 2007
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