Restoration

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

This chapter in the Bible uses such poetic language to describe restoration and revival. There are several exchanges taking place where the person that endures darkness, blindness, imprisonment and grief is given a gift of light, beauty, freedom, and comfort.

You see Israel was brokenhearted, bruised and wounded because of her sin. (Isaiah 1:6) Her cities were desolated, burned and overthrown by foreign invaders (Isaiah 1:7), because the idolatry of the land was detestable to a Holy God.

But there is Good News! There is One coming to heal, free, bestow, comfort, and provide for those burdened with despair! His name is Jesus!

You can read this same passage of Scripture in Luke 4:18-19. After Jesus’s baptism and his anointing with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, went to the synagogue to read this Holy Scripture from Isaiah 61. He announced to the listeners, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” Luke 4:21. Jesus perfectly fulfills Isaiah 61. Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One that can meet every human need. Jesus, in the flesh, began by driving out spirits, healing many and preaching in the synagogues. (Matthew 4:23)

We too are broken sinners in need of healing and restoration.

We have been hurt physically or emotionally by someone or a circumstance in our life. We have been held captive by addictions and idols in our lives. We have been blinded spiritually to all that God has in store for his children.

Praise be to Jesus who has carried our sorrows. Praise be to Jesus whose wounds have healed us. Praise be to Jesus who was oppressed and anguished for our iniquities. We can now be free, shout for joy, and be crowned with beauty.

Now, you who were captive are set free. You who were once broken are called to display His glory. You who were once blind are called priests of the LORD and named ministers of our God (Is 61:6). Because, once you’ve been touched by the Messiah, you will never be the same.

Prayer: Father, may the power of Your Holy Spirit be upon us. Use us to display your splendor. As we go, we will make disciples speaking words of restoration and life. To the glory of the Father, In Jesus name, Amen

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