Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed."
God's people are about to face some very difficult times including exile to Babylon. Isaiah writes his prophecy as a warning to them. Around 700BC or so Isaiah pens chapter 61 and writes these words foreshadowing the "year of the Lord's favor" and the coming messiah. Someone was going to come someday to heal the people and restore all things. In the first century, while in a synagogue in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19) Jesus quotes Isaiah and tells the people he is that person and this is why he came. He came to bring good news to all, comfort the broken hearted, and release the captives.
I am to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am to continue this movement Jesus began that Isaiah eluded to. I am to bring good news to the poor. I am to comfort the broken hearted. I am to release those who are held captive. Of course I can do none of this without Christ. What he began 2,000 years ago, I am to continue with his help, guidance, and power. So who in my world needs some good news today? I need to bring it to them. Who in my world is broken hearted? I should comfort them. Who in my world need to be set free? I should help them. His mission is my mission.
Dear Jesus, help me be your hands and feet today. Amen.
