Today's Verse: Isaiah 61:1-2a

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn...

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus read this passage at a synagogue in Nazareth to define his ministry (Luke 4:14-19). He came to preach good news for the poor, to bind up the broken, to announce freedom for those who were captives, to bring deliverance from the powers of darkness to the prisoners to addiction and evil, to proclaim grace because of God's favor, and to offer comfort to those grieving. Jesus also made clear God had a sharp edge to his justice, settling the score with those who were exploiters and abusers. If Jesus has sent us into the world as the Father sent our Savior (John 20:21-23), shouldn't our mission be to do the same?

My Prayer...

Through the power and wisdom of your Holy Spirit, who longs to work powerfully in and through me, please open my eyes, dear Lord. Help me see those you put in my path with whom you want me to share your grace, deliverance, and comfort. Use me to speak up for those who are exploited, mistreated, and abused. In Jesus' name, I ask for you power and strength to bring redemption and hope to the lost around me. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2a — The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 2, 2009

A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"In the sorest trials God often makes the sweetest discoveries of Himself."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[God] said, "Without question these are my people, children who would never betray me." So he became their Savior. In all their troubles, he was troubled, too....."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, In today's verses, Luke writes about the last part of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey. As you saw yesterday, they..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.