Isaiah 61:1-11
The beginning of this chapter is of very special interest. It is the passage chosen by the Lord Jesus when He stood up to read and speak in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21). We must notice, however, a detail of the utmost importance: the Lord Jesus interrupted His reading in the middle of a sentence and did not mention "the day of vengeance". Only the first part of His ministry (that of grace) was being fulfilled in their ears. What follows, i.e. the judgment, was being held in abeyance and still is to this day. Where our text does not even place a comma, God has already inserted nearly two thousand years of His longsuffering.
In any event vengeance is not the last word in the sentence. It is followed by consolation and joy for the faithful remnant. As Job at his latter end, they will receive double (v. 7) – this double fruitfulness already told out in the name of Ephraim (Genesis 41:52) – "everlasting joy shall be upon them" (v. 7).
In response to these promises, the remnant lift their voices: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness . . ." (v. 10). Surely Christians today have the same grounds for praising the Saviour and rejoicing in Him!