Daily Devotion, February 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 61:1-3.

These words of Isaiah were written as the Jewish people began to return from exile to their beloved Jerusalem, a return which had so long been dreamed of. As an anointed prophet of God, Isaiah speaks powerful words of hope, of the Lord’s favor and an overturning of the established social order. In his prophecy, Isaiah is also speaking of the work of the coming Messiah. Jesus read part of this passage in the synagogue at Nazareth and interpreted it as a reference to himself. It is Jesus’ mission statement, his purpose. As the anointed One, his purpose in life on earth was to “proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release prisoners from darkness.” Christ brought good news to the oppressed and brokenhearted during his ministry and he brings good news to us today.

Have you felt like a prisoner in your home these past months waiting for the virus to end? Have you longed to return to our worship in church and transform your spirit with the fellowship of believers? Are you brokenhearted over the sickness and loss of loved ones? Christ brings comfort in our despair and promises to lift our spirits when we trust that he is in charge. For those who live lives of oppression and darkness, Christ brings comfort and the promise of help in times of distress. How does God provide this comfort and hope today? He uses his children, those who follow him, to give help to the poor, to comfort those who are sad, and to show kindness to the downtrodden. Are we willing to break through barriers as Christ did to spread his message of hope and love? Just as God anointed Isaiah and Christ to do his work on earth, he anointed us to continue to “proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release prisoners from darkness.” Let’s be inspired today to fulfill this mission with our own acts of kindness.

Personal Worship Option:

What can you do today to fulfill Christ’s mission on earth? Whether you leave your house or stay at home, do a selfless act of kindness for someone who feels captive or imprisoned in some way.