Advent 2011 - Day 2 - Why do we need a Messiah?

Isaiah 59

11We all growl like bears;

    we moan and moan like doves;

we hope for justice, but there is none;

   for salvation, but it is far from us.

12For our transgressions are multiplied before you,

   and our sins testify against us;

for our transgressions are with us,

   and we know our iniquities:

13transgressing, and denying the LORD,

   and turning back from following our God,

speaking oppression and revolt,

   conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

14 Justice is turned back,

   and righteousness stands far away;

for truth has stumbled in the public squares,

   and uprightness cannot enter.

15Truth is lacking,

   and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.

   The LORD saw it, and it displeased him

   that there was no justice.

16 He saw that there was no man,

   and wondered that there was no one to intercede;

then his own arm brought him salvation,

   and his righteousness upheld him.

20 "And a Redeemer will come to Zion,

   to those in Jacob who turn from transgression," declares the LORD.

 21"And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring," says the LORD, "from this time forth and forevermore."