SUMMARY: Transformed
OVERVIEW: Isaiah shares the fifth Servant song and emphasizes the Servant’s mission. The first three verses are the ones Jesus shared when preaching in Nazareth. The chapter includes Israel’s rebuilding their defeated cities while other nations assist Israel and recognize that God has blessed them.
BIG IDEA: God brings renewal and transformation.
KEY VERSE: Isaiah 61:1 (the anointed one; Jesus quotes in Luke 4)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Jesus was the anointed one chosen to transform the world. When Jesus arrived, everything changed. He created an upside-down kingdom. The weak became strong, and the strong were humbled. The poor became rich, and the rich questioned the value of their net worth. When you begin a relationship with me, I want to change everything for you. I want to bring comfort where there is pain. I want to bring hope and praise where there is despair. Put on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Seize your renewal. Own it and embrace it. I have given it to you so that you can become the person I created you to be. Establish a legacy of hope amongst your friends and family from this point forward. A day is coming when Jesus will return to bring judgment. But for this season of life, look to me, walk with me, and point people to the hope and love I offer. Then in the next season of life, you will be forever in my presence.
NEXT STEP
Choose joy! Jesus offers new life. You no longer have to live under guilt and shame. You are free to celebrate God’s forgiveness and his hope for new life. Is there a confessed sin that continues to haunt you? Instead of feeling down, acknowledge your forgiveness from God and thank God for it.
MUSIC VIDEO