Monday October 30, 2023

Today is Monday, October 30 and we are learning what the Bible says about proclaiming.

As a new day dawns, I slow my breathing, focus my mind and turn my heart to the presence of the Holy One. I inhale his joy, peace and kindness as I exhale my burdens, worries and concerns.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, I come quietly to this sacred space before I embark on a busy day. Meet me here in the stillness. Remind me of your steadfast love and help me hear the message you have for me. Amen.

In the morning I seek the Lord my God. I praise him with the words of Psalm 9.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. Psalm 9:9-11

Pause and Pray

The ancient prophecies of Isaiah were beautifully fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In chapter sixty one, the prophet Isaiah foretold what the Messiah will do. Isaiah’s Messiah, the “Anointed One” will be known by a ministry of comfort and transformation. The Messiah will bring people into new life – healed, comforted and freed. Jesus chose to read this passage at the beginning of his ministry in the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus declared himself the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He is the One to bring good news, healing and freedom. He is the long awaited One who brings God’s transformation to a broken world.

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. Isaiah 61:1-3a

As I reflect on this prophetic passage, I consider what is being proclaimed. Good news is proclaimed for the poor. Freedom is proclaimed for captives. Release is proclaimed for prisoners. The Lord’s favor is proclaimed for those who grieve. This is the ministry of Christ. As a follower of Jesus it is also my ministry. I am to speak good news to those who suffer. I am to offer hope to those downcast in spirit. I am to bind up the wounds of the broken hearted. I am to speak freedom to those held captive by hurts and imprisoned by habits. I am to proclaim a way out of darkness and depression. I am to comfort those who mourn and care for those who grieve. I proclaim the name of Jesus – he is The Way.

Ask: Who do I know who could benefit from a word of hope or comfort? How can I speak words of goodness into the life of someone else?

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, remind me of my role in carrying out the good work of my Savior. Give me words of encouragement to speak into the lives of others. Let me share good news, heal what is broken, free what is trapped, mend what is torn and comfort those who grieve. Bring your favor upon all who suffer. Where there is mourning and despair, bring beauty, joy and praise. I proclaim your goodness. I read the words from Isaiah again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. Isaiah 61:1-3a

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the places in my life where I need comfort. Perhaps I feel isolated, alone, afraid or uncertain. I consider the places in my life where there is brokenness. Maybe there is a broken relationship, or someone who has hurt or disappointed me. Perhaps there is someone who has not forgiven me, or who I am struggling to forgive. I consider the places in my life where I feel caught, trapped, bound by darkness or imprisoned. Some describe depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain and health issues as places of entrapment. My deepest yearning is for God. I turn to Christ the Good News. Jesus comes to comfort me, heal my heart, and set me free.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, you see me like no one else. You know the broken pieces of my heart, the lingering hurt, and the residual resentment. You know what entices and entraps me. You know what pulls me down. Bring your comfort to my soul and healing to my heart. See me free from whatever binds me. Amen.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

I leave this time of prayer blessed with the good news of Jesus Christ. I go to bring good news to others.

Amen