Prepare the Way

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Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4

 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;

            2          to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

            3          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

            4          They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations

 

Meditation:

            These words of comfort were originally addressed to Hebrew people as they returned from exile in Babylon. Later we hear a portion of the quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19 as Jesus prepares to embark on his preaching, teaching, and healing ministry. They serve as a reminder of our own calling into the world for service.

            These verses are also intimately connected with the beatitudes. As they poor out words of blessing on those who are not usually considered blessed among us. The poor, the brokenhearted, those mourning, and the prisoner. While Jesus did pronounce a blessing on these folks he is no longer here in person to deliver these blessings.

            It is up to us to come under the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we may accomplish these things in today’s world. We are the ones who must become good news to the poor, bring liberty to the prisoner, and comfort for those in mourning and repair the brokenhearted.

            It is up to us to usher in these kingdom signs. Verse 3 above gives us a list of things that our efforts will bring about. The ultimate sign of success for us is that the Lord’s name would be glorified through our works.

            Our cities do lie in ruins, and have been devastated by years of neglect both physically and financially. They are bankrupt both morally and politically. We Christians have the task of rebuilding them. Through the Spirit of God we can and will accomplish these things.

 

Prayer:

Lord the task before us is large, but you are larger still. The effort needed will be great but you are greater still. Forgive our discouragement in looking upon the task at hand. Encourage us to take one step forward at a time knowing that you take that step with us. Bring joy back to the heart of the city through your people. In Jesus name, Amen.

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