Old Testament | Isaiah 61:1-4 (with Nick Locke)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

The Year of His Favor (Isaiah 61) by Caroline Cobb

Lyrics:

The Spirit of the Lord is on You

A King anointed for the cross

To the helpless You bring good news

You come to bind the broken heart

 

Speaking freedom to the captive

Comfort to the ones who grieve

To the downcast You bring justice

To the needy one relief

 

You give beauty for ashes

You pour out the oil of gladness

The year of His favor comes

The year of His favor

You give to the weak and faint

A garment of joy and praise

The year of His favor comes

 

You come to raise up what’s been ruined

Rivers in a desert waste

You are the Lord and You will do this

For the glory of Your name

 

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

The broken dance (come Lord)

The blind will see (come Lord)

The sick are healed (come Lord)

The mute will sing (come Lord)

The dead alive (come Lord)

The sinner free (come Lord)

The kingdom’s here (come Lord)

At last the King (oh)

 

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Come Lord

Passage: 

1   The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;

they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

the devastations of many generations.

(Isaiah 61:1–4 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

“Be Thou My Vision,” old Irish folk tune

Reflection Notes: 

The hymn commonly known as “Be Thou My Vision” is set to the tune SLANE, which is an old Irish folk tune. It samples both major and minor tonalities, with a perfect balance between the two.

Prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.