SCRIPTURE: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor [or afflicted]; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound [or the opening of the eyes to those who are blind]; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified [or that he may display his beauty]. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV
THOUGHT: Jesus’ first sermon is a short discourse on these verses (see Luke 4). There’s so much here, I’m going to write about it the rest of the week.
As the world goes, it didn’t take long for the crowd that day to turn on him. Just a few verses after they’re marveling at his words about good news and binding up the brokenhearted and liberty and freedom and favor, they’re looking for a way to throw him off a cliff.
It’s because Jesus pointed out several stories where God met the needs of foreigners (gentiles) rather than his own people. It was intolerable to them. What they had forgotten – and what we must never forget – is that God’s eyes are roaming the entire earth, seeking those whose hearts are blameless toward him, to strengthen them (2 Chronicles 16:9). He shows no partiality (Acts 10:34). The whole earth is his (Exodus 19:5). His children were to be an example to the world, not pampered favorites.
It’s very good news for those seeking God. It’s the opposite for those riding on coattails or depending on race or color or nationality to save them.
PRAYER: Oh God, thank you that you that you show no partiality. That good news for your natural child is good news for your adopted child too. Help us not take the binding up and liberty and freedom and favor that Jesus fulfilled for granted.
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you’re along and I pray you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith by something you read here.
There are archives by topic below – now more than 1000 of these daily meditations to browse.
ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
FREE TO YOU:
If you’d like to be notified of this blog each weekday, please look for the little blue “follow” button below (just above the topical search), and welcome!
asipoblog.com 