WHY IT’S IMPORTANT //

It’s important that we do the work of wholeness in our lives. Sanctification is the process that the Holy Spirit leads us through to become like Jesus. He offers us healing in exchange for brokenness, freedom in exchange for bondage and wisdom in exchange for foolishness. In order to truly be whole we must take hold of all three of these things.

WHAT IT'S TALKING ABOUT // 

Isaiah was a prophet to Judah prior to the Babylonian exile. He starting his ministry around 740BC. Isaiah 61 is a messianic prophecy, meaning it speaks of Israel’s coming messiah, Jesus. In Luke 4 Jesus is beginning his appointed time of public ministry and he picks up the scroll of Isaiah to read this passage. He then declares that “this scripture is fulfilled in their hearing”. This passage powerfully outlines the assignment of the messiah and what His people will do on the Earth to partner with Him in Kingdom work.

Isaiah 61:1-4 NIV

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,[blind]
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.