TULSA,OK.- The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...
The British affliction hit me again tonight- I said 'pounds' instead of 'dollars' onstage. Last time I corrected myself, tonight I didn't even notice!
Our devotional time centred on Isaiah 61 and the verses that Jesus used to launch his public ministry in Luke 4:
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 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 gladness 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. Isaiah 61.1-3
The Spirit of God in the Old Testament is associated with both the Kingly role and the Servant role- an apt description of Jesus.
Here are some more questions for you to consider- they are all fairly basic and can be taken at face value!
1. Who is going to benefit from the preaching of good news?
2. What is meant by the contrast between ashes and crown, oil and garment?
3. Why do you think Jesus chose these words as his manifesto? (Read Luke 4.16+)
4. Why do you think he stops reading from Isaiah before mentioning the day of vengeance?
5. How do these words impact our priorities as followers of Jesus and tellers of the good news?
Hey Nigel,
Was at the concert and took my daughter to the meet and greet. I was sincerely impressed with the character of the band (your flock, so to speak). As tired as they obviously were, they made everyone feel special. You all made her feel like a million "pounds".
Posted by: The Principal | December 16, 2007 at 01:43 PM