Read // Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
[message_box]Lord, we thank you for your provision of restoration and salvation through your son Jesus Christ.[/message_box]
Isaiah is here not only prophesying the future liberation of Israel from Babylon, he is also looking to another future time of restoration for all of mankind – the restoring of the relationship of God to His people as only Jesus can do. In fact, Jesus read the very words of Isaiah to those in the synagogue in Nazareth, but he stopped after the first part of verse 61:2 “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” At that point He rolled up the scroll and told everyone, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Bang! There It Is! He was telling the world that He was the fulfillment of the day of salvation. He was the Good News Isaiah mentioned in Verse 1. He would bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release the prisoner from darkness. Jesus is the source of all these healings.
Whatever your affliction, He is your healer – sin included. Jesus proclaimed liberation from sin and all its eternal consequences. He was covering us in His righteousness to be favored by God through all eternity. Stop for a moment and think about that. As the smile broadens on your face, let His love consume you and then share it with someone. His work is done, but He was gracious enough to let us participate. What an honor it is to be a part of His kingdom and help connect others to Him.
When we fully understand what Christ has done for us and what He offers to others, we will be motivated to share the Good News.
Do // Ask God to rekindle that fresh eager attitude that wants to obey him and to tell others about Christ.
by John Wright