Today's Scripture:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 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. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.” 10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow,
Reflect: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
By reading the Old Testament accounts in the Bible, we can hear the same prophecy they heard back then. But, we have the privilege of seeing how the prophecy was fulfilled through Jesus' birth and His sacrifice. We know that Jesus is the Messiah they were waiting on, so we have proof that the prophecy was true. Just like they were, we are now waiting for the promise of Jesus' return. We may not have the exact same problems that they were facing at the time of the prophecy, but we still deal with suffering, grief and hard times, and we too are still waiting for the Savior to come.
Read: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
In Isaiah 61, we hear a prophecy of the coming Messiah. The prophecy promises that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It brings hope, to those that follow God, that at some point, there would be relief from suffering and grief, from the strife and hard times. God would send the Messiah to deliver hope and peace and fulfill the prophecy.
Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
(Hands in the air, and down for prayer)
In this season that is not always easy for everyone, may this prophecy bring you hope. May this scripture passage remind you that the birth of Jesus proved His Word to be true and that there is hope and peace in knowing that our Savior will return again to make everything right. Amen.
About Julie Clark:
Hi, I'm Julie Clark and I work at Grace Presbyterian Church in Children's Ministries. I focus on Preschool and Nursery Ministries, Grace School Chapels, Coach at Grace School and assist with Elementary Ministries and Events. Before working at Grace Church, I worked at Grace Primary School as a teacher. I love all things Disney. I'm originally from Philadelphia, PA and love my Phillies. I have been in Texas almost 10 years now, but Philly still has my heart. If you find yourself at a Wawa, grab me a pretzel please! Have a safe and happy day!