Today's Verse: Isaiah 61:1-2a (KJV)

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn...
— Isaiah 61:1-2a (KJV)

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

Proclaim It!
Illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2
Inspirational illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2 -- 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
Spirit Powered Ministry
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"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....."
That He Might Be Glorified
Article by Donna Riggs
How can such a disaster be a time for glorifying God? Donna Riggs shares how God used a snow storm to prevent disaster for her church family.
When Your Heart is Breaking
Article by Tom Norvell
How can you mend a broken heart, especially when it's your own? Tom Norvell reminds us that broken hearts hurt and we often wish we could be dead, but that God stays close to us.
See All 5 Related Resources about Isaiah 61:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 61:1-2a (KJV) — The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'One with Christ' (Ga. 3:15-29)
"Dear Father, Thank you, Father, for giving your holy law to Moses and for the role it played in bringing people to Christ. Thank you even more that....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 1:24
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Mother Teresa:
"We cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love.|"
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 3:8
"My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile and hearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speak with thee when thou art..."

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.

More Today's Verse