Watching the news last night of the war in Ukraine broke my heart on so many levels. The atrocities committed, the sorrows that are everywhere, the anger and hatred of the victims and of the oppressors, the victims declaring they will never forgive – never and will always hate. These are the leftovers of every war throughout every age. Unspeakable atrocities, hatred for those atrocities, dehumanizing the other side.

In Isaiah 9:1-7 are contained some of the most beautiful words and music that George Frideric Handel composed in 1741…The Messiah. He wrote those words in 1741 from words written by Isaiah over 700 years before the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah it talks about warrior’s boots, oppressors, deep darkness and that sounds so much like Ukraine today or any country in any age of men ruled by oppressors.

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Jesus Himself quoted Isaiah when he went to his hometown of Nazareth. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21. Jesus was quoting Isaiah 61 and the scripture there continues…The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3.

I can’t help but see time stitched together whenever I read God’s word. Scripture is a history of us and every time there’s war and suffering and cruelty beyond understanding we are knit together in our need of a Savior. He will release us from darkness and bondage to sin and instead of despair and mourning there will be joy and not just for one side but for all men. Forgiveness and healing will be possible.

I know it’s too soon for the Russian soldiers and the victims in Ukraine to forgive and heal and that won’t come in it’s fullness until Jesus returns. But release from bondage He will and that bondage is our sin of hate that gives birth to every sorrow we suffer and have suffered through all the ages of mankind.

Jesus came to show us the Father and to demonstrate through His life on this earth what love looks like in real time. Time stitched together.