Here to Proclaim July 30

Scripture: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; 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; Isaiah 61:1

Observation: This text is fulfilled in Christ, as he proclaims when he reads it in the temple (Luke 4). Isaiah is saying the messiah will come to bring good news to the poor—to those who have nothing, yet hope in God, and liberty to the captives, those in exile, as well as those captive to their sins. He will come to bring sight to the blind (physical and spiritual healing) and liberty for the oppressed—those oppressed by sickness, spiritual forces, sins, and a society that not live by God’s ethical and just standards.

Application: Jesus has come to bind up broken hearts. He is here to bring the power of God to bear on the physical, spiritual, societal brokenness of our time. So what am I here to do? Is my Christianity about protecting me and mine, about seeking God to provide comfort and care for me and my family? Am I here to live a nice life, avoid sin, and stay away from others? Or am I here to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, and proclaim? Proclaim freedom from sin through Christ. Proclaim liberty to those hurting and oppressed. Proclaim God’s truth to powers of this world, physical, governmental, spiritual. What is the Spirit of the Lord upon me to do?

Prayer: God, I believe your Spirit is on me as well—you live in me. And you empower me (Acts 1:8) to be witnesses of the good news of Jesus Christ. To proclaim freedom. Forgive me for thinking your Spirit was on me just to fill me up with good feelings. Give me opportunity today to proclaim freedom to someone I meet. Amen