Today we are reading Isaiah 61. In this chapter we read Isaiah’s prophecy about being sent by God to proclaim the good news. “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; 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.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV I really needed to read this passage this morning. I was discouraged about all the bad news and difficulties we are going through. These words remind me that God always comes through for His people. God sees all and will keep watch over us. The “good news” of Isaiah had to do with the coming of the Messiah. We have the same good news! The Messiah has come and saved us from the greatest threat we will ever face—the punishment for our sins in Hell. God has saved us so we can endure these temporary sufferings with hope and confidence! Pastor Tim
