Devotion • November 3
Today's Scripture
Isaiah 61:1–4
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion — to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (NRSV)
Reflection
The prophet Isaiah is particularly known for his writings heralding the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. In reading today's scripture passage, it may have taken you a second to adjust your understanding of exactly who is speaking beginning in verse 1. Although the authorship of the book of Isaiah is credited to the prophet Isaiah, chapter 61 is written from the perspective of the messiah, whose coming and purpose were being foretold here.
Looking back, it’s easy to appreciate that in Isaiah’s day some people believed and were encouraged by his teachings, while others likely regarded him as eccentric, out of touch with reality, or worse. Of course, Isaiah was vindicated years later when Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. Luke’s account of Christ’s encounter in the synagogue on this day concludes in Luke 4, verses 20 and 21: “And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’”
Most Christians today don’t consider themselves prophets, and we certainly aren’t messiahs, but the eyes of the world are still fixed on us, watching and listening for what we will say and do about the injustice, sadness, and loneliness of our current age, watching and listening for the fruits of the Spirit as we work to fulfill Jesus’ new commandment to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
Imagine the day when Christians proclaim, Today this commandment is fulfilled in your hearing.
Prayer
Lord, help us today and every day to fulfill your last commandment to us to love one another as you have loved us. Amen.
Written by John Marr, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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