Why Do I Care?

Why do I care so much? 

God put it deep in my heart years and years ago!

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, 

because the LORD has anointed me

 
to preach 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 gladness

 
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. 

They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated; 

they will renew the ruined cities

 
that have been devastated for generations ....

Instead of their shame 

my people will receive a double portion,

and instead of disgrace 

they will rejoice in their inheritance; 

and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,

 
and everlasting joy will be theirs." 

Isaiah 61 (NIV)