In all 3 readings the contrast between perception and reality is shown to be a mighty chasm, which fleshly thinking invariably gets wrong every time.

Isaiah 61 tells of Yahweh's blessing and favour to Zion through the LORD sending His beloved Son to them promising them restoration and healing through Messiah, his gospel message and restoration and healing through the offering of himself. The early verses are cited by our Lord Jesus in his home town synagogue in Nazareth - Luke 4 verse 16:30 - where he declared "today is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears". He has only quoted to the first half of verse 2 since Jesus ministry was to offer hope to the repentant who embraced the gospel message. The "day of vengeance" would come upon those who rejected the message in 70 AD (to the Jews) and the entire world at Jesus' second coming. This earned the ire of the townsfolk where our Lord had grown up in their midst and worked in their midst. The people of Nazareth attempted to kill him by casting him from the precipice. It was this Scripture that sustained John the Baptist as he languished in the prison (Machaerus) of Herod Antipas. Verses 3-7 describe the blessings which will flow to Zion when Jesus Messiah reigns over them at the appointed time. Verses 8-9 tell of their Sovereign's call on Israel to turn from their hypocritical ways and embrace the paths of the LORD. All the world will then acknowledge that nation as the blessed children of God. Verses 10-11 tell of the prophet rejoicing in the Almighty Creator and His plan to bring righteousness and blessing to the entire earth.

In Matthew 6 Jesus warns against 3 forms of showy piety prevalent amongst the Pharisees of his day: conspicuous giving of alms (charity, prayers designed to impress others rather than heartfelt requests to the Father and attention-seeking fasting. Matthew 6 verses 1-6 points out that charitable deeds must have their focus on the receiver and not the giver - and the reward being future not present. The same attitude must characterise our prayers: verses 5-6. Jesus then provides a model prayer in which the reverence of God and His Name - Yahweh our Father - being foremost. Then His Kingdom sought when His will is done. Next petition for needs (not wants), the forgiveness of our sins (measured and determined of our Father by our capacity to forgive others) and then deliverance from "the evil" - ie our nature's provocation within us to sin. Verses 16-18 advises on fasting: a preparation of the mind to serve God, not an opportunity to impress others with our religious dedication. Verses 19-24 tell us that the heart is a magnet. What we treasure most will be measured by what occupies our thinking most. Don't pretend we are serving God when our minds (hearts) are preoccupied with ourselves - ie covetousness which is idolatry (Colossians 3verses 5). Verses 25-34 speak of the treasure we should seek: freedom from all anxiety is known by our God who loves us and will provide all that we need to bring us into His Kingdom. Our Father has shown us His majesty and power to bestow blessings and beauty through His creative acts. The last two verses of the chapter establish what must be the primary purpose of our lives: honouring our Father and His Son by setting our affection on things above. Slowly read these aloud. Pause and ponder. One day at a time, the Father has given us. We leave the worry for tomorrow to Him.