Beauty for Ashes Part 2

In this second part, we consider what occurred in the synagogue in Nazareth as recorded in Luke chapter four. Jesus is given the scroll and finds the place which is the equivalent of Isaiah chapter 61. What he says appears different from the way we read the passage in the Tanakh. Furthermore, the English version in the KJV (or the NKJV) is different from more modern translations. In particular, we might ask “What becomes of the broken hearted?” Did Jesus say anything about the broken-hearted in the synagogue? The most surprising aspect of what Jesus said is the fact that he stops mid-sentence. He then tells the congregation, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). No wonder, the eyes of the entire congregation were fixed on him. However, the Lord G-d has anointed him to fulfill every aspect of the ministry as described in Isaiah 61:1-3.  Accordingly, there will be a day of vengeance, but the time was not when Jesus spoke in the synagogue. It is happening now and will continue to happen in our day. He is anointed and appointed to announce the day of vengeance, and this is to uphold Zion’s cause (Isaiah 34:8). He will comfort all those who mourn. He will provide for the mourners of Zion and give them beauty (glory, spendour) for ashes; the oil of joy instead of mourning; and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.