Isaiah 61 is the passage Jesus read the first time he taught in the synagogue. It proclaims His work as our Messiah. He builds us up. He comforts us in our mourning. He will make an everlasting covenant with us. He clothes us in salvation and righteousness. Every part of our being rejoices.

Isaiah 62 speaks of the Messiah’s salvation of Jerusalem. Because of sin God left it forsaken. Now His Delight Is in Her. It becomes his bride. Of course, we believe this to be true of the new Jerusalem that is established at Christ’s second coming. The people of this new Jerusalem will be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord.

Hebrews 12 begins by referring to the list of the faithful in chapter 11. Since we have such fine examples of faith, we should be ready to run the race as well. We will endure discipline as we deal with the consequences of our sins but this discipline will lead us to the path of righteousness and holiness. It leads us to the heavenly kingdom, the new Jerusalem that cannot be shaken.