Read Isaiah 58
Highlights:
Our sinful nature separates us from God (Is. 59:2-15). Solution: A Redeemer (59:16-21). The Light of the World (60: 1,19-20). Jesus fulfills the prophecies of chapter 61 (Luke 4:16-29). The love of God, His mercy, pardon, and deliverance are outlined in chapters 62 & 63.
Jesus stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and read these words: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach (the) Good Tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound (Is. 61:1). Then He proclaimed: This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:18-21). Jesus is the Promised Messiah, Son of David, the Savior, the Redeemer of the world. Unto Him the Spirit was given without measure (John 3:34); He is the anointed of God (Is. 61:1).
Our Lord first came as a Servant to bind up the brokenhearted and to set the captive free. And each of us, as His followers, should also preach (the) Good Tidings unto the meek and proclaim liberty to those who are entangled in sin. This ministry for the Lord is one of the highest privileges of the child of God. When we faithfully tell others about Christ and see them trust Him in salvation, our hearts are thrilled to see them grow spiritually.
A Christian cares about other people and is a living demonstration of the love and gracious will of God (Rom. 5:8). Furthermore, when the needs of others are made known to us, we have the privilege of bringing these needs before God in prayer and then doing what we can to comfort the brokenhearted.
This message of Good Tidings in all the beauty and grace of its meaning was fulfilled in the Person and completed work of Jesus Christ; but, it also sets forth the principle of true Christian service. Ours is not a ministry dependent upon superior talent and intellect. Let us say, in reverence and humility: "I am but a vessel, an instrument, an agent. I am not the Master; I am but a servant. Lord God, be Thou my inspiration, my strength, and the completeness of my life."
Like captive slaves, we are by nature in bondage to sin — to the flesh — to the world. Christ has come to proclaim liberty — to break the chains of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual captivity to all who will repent of their sin, be born again, and then follow Him as Lord of their lives. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1).
Thought for Today:
Jesus saith . . . I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
Christ Revealed:
As the One anointed to preach Good Tidings (Is. 61:1). Jesus read this passage to the rulers of the synagogue (Luke 4:16-22) but stopped without completing the second verse (Is. 61:2), thus showing that He fulfilled the first part. But, the second part, the Day of Judgment, was yet to be fulfilled.
Word Studies:
60:5 see, and flow together become enlightened, and shine forth the Light of God; fear be in awe (be amazed at what God is doing), and then when that has registered, comes the joy; 61:3 appoint empart comfort; 62:4 Hephzibah my delight is in her; Beulah married; 63:15 the sounding of thy bowels the yearning affection of your heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Pam Murton • Government Official: Rep. Connie Mack IV (FL) • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice at all times (Ps. 32:11).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:1