Scripture
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,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 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.
Reflection
Very few people in the world today have the kind of wealth that can shield them from life’s difficulties and tragedies. Even then the wealthy are not completely protected, there are some things that money can’t buy. Life is going to bring a fair amount of heartache, more for some, less for others. It is into this reality that God has stepped in to redeem our hurt, “the ashes, the despair and the mourning”; the cross is the bridge that stretches between the harshness of life on earth and the beauty of heaven’s eternal life. It is the man on the cross who has the power to take what was meant to harm us and use it for his and our good (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell us about God and people?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for these ministries at SCF: Hospitality, Worship, Prayer, Welcome and Reflect (Youth).
