The fatherless have a reason to sing praise to God. The widows have a reason to sing praise to God. The lonely homeless have a reason to sing praise to God. Prisoners have a reason to sing praise to God. God is coming. God is their father, defender, holy dwelling, friend, and freedom bearer. Sing resolute you who are secluded. Praise your Savior.
Early in his ministry, Jesus entered his hometown synagogue, was asked to speak, and handed the scroll of Isaiah. He opened it to a specific passage and read for the world to hear, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll and said to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The rebellious were enraged. They liked the status quo. They controlled others, caring little for their sorry conditions. Their only tears were for themselves. They prided themselves on their evil ways. They were enemies of God. They oppressed others for selfish gain. Jesus’ coming marks their end in sun-scorched land.
