THE AMEN CORNER: The Year of the Lord’s Favor

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The Year of the Lord’s Favor was inspired by the words and events of Isaiah 61:8-11 and Isaiah 62:1-4. In these passages, we see God using the prophet Isaiah as His messenger.

I think the title presents an interesting concept given how things have gone so far this year; in our community, in our State, in our Country, and in our world.

So, where do we start?

Do you remember when–if you wanted to leave someone a message–you might use a Post-It and stick it somewhere that they were most likely to see it?

Some people may even remember telegraphs and telegrams as ways of delivering messages.

What about answering machines Remember those? The kind with the cassette for recording messages?

Man, I thought I’d come up when I got my first answering machine.

Now, we have smartphones and numerous apps for sending and receiving messages–INSTANTLY.

• These Social  apps include:
• WhatsApp
• Facebook Messenger
• Instagram
• Twitter
• E-mail

Well, when God got ready to send his message of redemption to His people, His Spirit descended upon the prophet Isaiah and empowered him to bring good news to the captives, proclaim liberty and announce God’s everlasting covenant. He proclaimed that the year would be The Year of God’s Favor.

God’s message. God’s messenger!

Here we see God using the prophet Isaiah to deliver his message, but what if God delivered the message Himself.

And what if He used modern technology like I mentioned above? What if He used Twitter to communicate to us like that little “g” god up in the White House? I think his Twitter handle would be, “@theRealG”!

Maybe it would go like this:

–“Let’s Meet At My House Sunday Before The Game. “@theRealG ”

–“Drop by later, I got this nice Robe of Righteousness and I want you to try it on. I think it’ll fit you perfectly. “@theRealG ”

–“C’mon Over And Bring The Kids. “@theRealG”

–“We Need To Talk! “@theRealG ”

–“Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage. “@theRealG ”

–“Need Directions? “@theRealG ”

–“You Think It’s Hot Here? “@theRealG ”

–“Tell The Kids I Love Them. “@theRealG”

–“Need A Marriage Counselor? I’m Available. “@theRealG”

–“Have You Read My #1 Bestseller? There Will Be A Test. “@theRealG”

–“People used to solve their problems by turning to Matthew and John, not Smith and Wesson! “@theRealG”

—“Oh yeah! That ‘Love Thy Neighbor Thing,’ I Meant It! “@theRealG ”

In this lesson Isaiah was called to send the message. We too are called each day to send the message of hope, peace, love, and joy.

Repeat these three “I wills” as did Isaiah!

• I will rejoice
• I will not keep silent
• I will not rest.

Now, let that simmer on low heat for a minute.