48.3 A Renewed World

Isaiah 61:4-7

They will rebuild cities that have long been in ruins.
My people, foreigners will serve you.
They will take care of your flocks
and farm your land and tend your vineyards.
And you will be known as the priests of the Lord,
the servants of our God.
You will enjoy the wealth of the nations
and be proud that it is yours.
Your shame and disgrace are ended.
You will live in your own land,
and your wealth will be doubled;
your joy will last forever.

48.2 The Mission Of The Savior

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his spirit.
He has chosen me and sent me
to bring good news to the poor,
to heal the broken-hearted,
to announce release to captives
and freedom to those in prison.
He has sent me to proclaim
that the time has come
when the Lord will save his people
and defeat their enemies.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,
to give to those who mourn in Zion
joy and gladness instead of sorrow.
They will be like trees
that the Lord himself has planted.
They will all do what is right,
and God will be praised for what he has done.

48.1 The Lord Restores Justice

Isaiah 59:15b-21

The Lord has seen this, and he is displeased that there is no justice. He is astonished to see that there is no one to help the oppressed.  So he will use his own power to rescue them and to win the victory.  He will wear justice like a coat of armor and victory like a helmet. He will clothe himself with the strong desire to set things right and to punish and avenge the wrongs that people suffer. He will punish his enemies according to what they have done, even those who live in distant lands.  From east to west everyone will fear him and his great power.  He will come like a rushing river, like a strong wind.

The Lord says to his people, "I will come to Jerusalem to defend you and to save all of you that turn from your sins.  And I make a covenant with you: I have given you my power and my teachings to be yours forever, and from now on you are to obey me and teach your children and your descendants to obey me for all time to come."

47.4 The Lord Will Defend My Cause

Psalm 43

O God, declare me innocent,
and defend my cause against the ungodly;
deliver me from lying and evil men!
You are my protector;
why have you abandoned me?
Why must I go on suffering from the cruelty of my enemies?

Send your light and your truth;
may they lead me and bring me back to Zion,
your sacred hill,
and to your Temple, where you live.
Then I will go to your altar, O God;
you are the source of my happiness.
I will play my harp and sing praise to you,
O God, my God.

Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?
I will put my hope in God,
and once again I will praise him,
my savior and my God.

47.3 God Will Judge Through Jesus Christ

Romans 2:12-16

The Gentiles do not have the Law of Moses; they sin and are lost apart from the Law.  The Jews have the Law; they sin and are judged by the Law.  For it is not by hearing the Law that people are put right with God, but by doing what the Law commands.  The Gentiles do not have the Law; but whenever they do by instinct what the Law commands, they are their own law, even though they do not have the Law.  Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts.  Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them.  And so, according to the Good News I preach, this is how it will be on that Day when God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of all.