Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

If ever there were a time when good news was needful and required, that time is now. And how timely that “good news” should be one of the motifs in this season of Advent, a time which brims with the announcement of good news! Help, hope, relief, advocacy and assistance are on the way!

What can we glean from scripture about those who languish, the oppressed, the captives, the prisoners and the inmates in our penal institutions?  Are they not there, at least most of them, because of crimes they committed?  Are they not receiving their just dues?  What right have the incarcerated to sympathy, help, hope or relief? Is there a word in the holy writ? The Christian view holds that while deviant and unlawful behaviors necessitate corrective institutions, the Christian community is duty-bound to have active concern for the care, rights and welfare of those who are in society’s custodial care.

The Holy Bible is replete with multiple indications of the intent of the Lord that those in stocks be regarded as brothers and sisters and members of the godly community. Indeed, the prophecy of the coming of Christ embodies such good news for the oppressed.

Isaiah 61:1-4, characterized in some commentaries as the Servant’s Song, comes forth as good news to the ears of the captive. The writer lays claim that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him for cause. The Lord has anointed him to purpose: to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. This message includes proclamation of the Lord’s favor, indeed, the brandishing of the day of vengeance of our God. Those who mourn are to be comforted, provision is afforded those in Zion, and godly sanctuary is assured. What a clear indication of the regard which the Lord extends to the oppressed!

Isaiah 61:8-11 gives clear indication that the Lord loves justice and justice advocacy. And the Lord hates robbery and wrongdoing and promises recompense appropriate to such carelessness. Those who proffer justice are promised by the Lord an everlasting covenant and blessings. Righteousness involves active care and love for God’s people who include the captive and the oppressed.

Psalm 79:11 exhorts the people of God to hear the actual groans of the prisoners, indeed, in God’s Name, to minister to those who are doomed to die. Hebrews 13:3 requires little interpretation: remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured (!!!). Believers are exhorted to live in the skin of those who are oppressed. For only by such association is one likely to promote the dignity and rights of the prisoner and thereby provide the proxy of a loving Lord.

By David C. Forbes, Sr., Pastor of Christian Faith Baptist Church, Raleigh