Isaiah 61:1a The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor….
As I read this verse, a scene from the movie “Evan Almighty” came to mind. In it, a reporter recounts the changes that Evan has gone through and asks, “How can you be so sure that God chose you?” Evan’s simple, profound response? “He chose all of us.” Jesus is God’s anointed, His one and only Son, but He chose all of us to help proclaim His Good News.
Isaiah 61:1b …He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners….
This chapter helps reinforce my belief in the power of prayer. There is often so little I can do physically to mitigate the suffering of others, but I believe prayer makes a difference. It draws us and others closer to God. It reminds us of His promise to bring beauty from our ashes, to work all things to His glory and our good.
Isaiah 61:2 …to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn….
Lord, Thank You for Your fierce love, for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for calling us to help participate in Your kingdom work by allowing us to proclaim Your Good News. Thank You for exchanging our ashes for Your beauty, for the power of prayer, and for allowing us to lift each other up to You. Draw us all closer to You. Amen.
Isaiah 61:3 …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.
Have a blessed day.