Isaiah 61-63, Luke 4:17-19 Jesus quoted part of this chapter as he stood in the synagogue in Nazareth. He knew that God had anointed him to speak of the gospel’s good news and not of the vengeance of the Lord. So when Jesus stopped reading at the end of verse 2, the listeners were first praising God but also wondering why he did not read about God’s vengeance. Why did he not finish that verse? It was because vengeance was not on God’s calendar at that time. Many prophecies needed to be fulfilled before God would exact His vengeance against His enemies.

We, too, often wonder why God is waiting. We are impatient people who want God’s justice NOW! But, as Isaiah so eloquently reminded the reader: God’s plans and timing are not like ours. [Is 55:8-9] He is a patient Father, not willing any should perish. [2Peter 3:9] Thus, He waits for the perfect moment, and as we wait, we should be busy with the Master’s business. And what is that business? Isaiah reminds us that it is to “tell of the faithful acts of the Lord, of the Lord’s praiseworthy deeds; tell about all the Lord did for us, (and yes) the many good things he did for the family of Israel, because of his compassion and great faithfulness.” [Is 63:7]

The Master wants us to be busy going and telling the good news: God loves! Jesus saves!

Are we going? Are we telling?