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[.] Isaiah 61:1
First, due to illness (at least my excuse), I missed Bible study - and when I say I missed it that includes both doing it (miss #1) and (miss #2) spiritual feeding of daily bread and the commensurate blessing it provides. Please forgive me Jesus! I yearn to spend with You in study and prayer. Glad to be back at it today. For today, I pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) to prepare for leading Sunday school on round 2 of OT prophecies of Jesus. Based on this resource on Preaching.com, round 1 looked at the first six prophecies listed under "the life of Jesus" while this Sunday's round 2 will cover the last six:
- Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
- Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
- Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected
- Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor
- Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
- Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
These prophecies and the message they contain encourage many, particularly believers who read the Bible and understand how Jesus fulfilled every single one of not just these six, but all prophecies from the OT. Personally, I am encouraged by Isaiah 61:1 which offers comfort to not just poor in physical wealth, but also those who are "brokenhearted" and "captive" both to sin and in prison physically. With wounds, Jesus' efforts to bind up the brokenhearted helps with healing, and salvation through Jesus offers freedom from the sting of sin and death, helping us see that eternal rewards await the faithful and they offer riches well beyond the experience of any suffering we may experience now. More tomorrow on this prophecy and the others...
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My Prayer. Lord Jesus, You are SO good - thank You for helping me feel better and for always getting me through those times when I experience a broken heart. I am not deserving of how You heal both physically and spiritually.. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
