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December 7, Ruler of Israel--Micah 5:2-5a
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.
Reflect
This text is understood to be not only a word to the people in Micah’s day but a prophecy about Jesus, who is the ultimate Ruler of Israel. What stands out are the subtle contrasts. Bethlehem was a tiny town in Judea, but it was from this seemingly insignificant town that the Ruler of Israel came. In ancient times, the ruler or king had absolute authority over people. His word was law. And often these rulers were brutal and self-serving, looking out for their own interests and power, not the concerns of the people.
But this ruler will care for the people like a faithful shepherd feeds his flock. This ruler’s authority does not come from human striving or power but from the strength of the Lord his God. The result will be that the name of this ruler will be great, and the people will live in peace and security under his rule.
This text is understood to be not only a word to the people in Micah’s day but a prophecy about Jesus, who is the ultimate Ruler of Israel. What stands out are the subtle contrasts. Bethlehem was a tiny town in Judea, but it was from this seemingly insignificant town that the Ruler of Israel came. In ancient times, the ruler or king had absolute authority over people. His word was law. And often these rulers were brutal and self-serving, looking out for their own interests and power, not the concerns of the people.
But this ruler will care for the people like a faithful shepherd feeds his flock. This ruler’s authority does not come from human striving or power but from the strength of the Lord his God. The result will be that the name of this ruler will be great, and the people will live in peace and security under his rule.
Respond
Are you looking to Jesus as your Ruler? Do you trust him to feed and care for you in the ways you need, or do you seek to do that in your own human striving? How can you look to Christ as your Ruler and Shepherd? As you think about your roles at home, at work, in the church, or in the community, what kind of leader are you? Does your leadership bring about a sense of peace and security or anxiety? How can you follow Jesus’ example and lead with love, joy, and peace?
Are you looking to Jesus as your Ruler? Do you trust him to feed and care for you in the ways you need, or do you seek to do that in your own human striving? How can you look to Christ as your Ruler and Shepherd? As you think about your roles at home, at work, in the church, or in the community, what kind of leader are you? Does your leadership bring about a sense of peace and security or anxiety? How can you follow Jesus’ example and lead with love, joy, and peace?
December 8, Emmanuel—Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Reflect
God comes to Joseph and addresses his understandable fear about his situation. Joseph’s circumstances are part of God's much bigger plan for him, his people, and the world. “The child conceived by the Holy Spirit” will be named “Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” This title is given to Jesus, the one and only Redeemer, because it refers to God’s everlasting intent for human life—namely, that we should be, in every aspect, a dwelling place of God. God is not distant or detached from his people. He is not unconcerned or unaware of our troubles. He loves us so much that he comes to rescue us from sin and death and free us to live the “with God life” in Jesus our Lord.
God comes to Joseph and addresses his understandable fear about his situation. Joseph’s circumstances are part of God's much bigger plan for him, his people, and the world. “The child conceived by the Holy Spirit” will be named “Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” This title is given to Jesus, the one and only Redeemer, because it refers to God’s everlasting intent for human life—namely, that we should be, in every aspect, a dwelling place of God. God is not distant or detached from his people. He is not unconcerned or unaware of our troubles. He loves us so much that he comes to rescue us from sin and death and free us to live the “with God life” in Jesus our Lord.
Respond
Take time to sing the first verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
What are your circumstances? What is causing you distress, anxiety, or sadness? How do you need God to come to you? Who are others who are experiencing distress? Sing the hymn, inviting Emmanuel to come to you and others anew. Even amid the messiness of life, trust that he is present, giving help, hope, and healing.
Take time to sing the first verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
What are your circumstances? What is causing you distress, anxiety, or sadness? How do you need God to come to you? Who are others who are experiencing distress? Sing the hymn, inviting Emmanuel to come to you and others anew. Even amid the messiness of life, trust that he is present, giving help, hope, and healing.
December 9, Desire of Nations—Haggai 2:4-8
Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure
[“desire”] of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.
Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure
[“desire”] of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts.
Reflect
If you read history books or even the daily newspaper, the state of the world shows us the reality of violence, war, and division amongst people, nation against nation, and even within nations. Since Christ is the “desire of all nations” [NIV], he is the only one who can “shake” the human structures that impede life as he intended it to be lived. He alone can unite the hearts of all humankind and cause divisions to cease. Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace, but this verse promotes him not just to the role of a prince but to the very King of peace. “Shalom,” peace, is a rich term that indicates restoration of health, the end of hostilities, enrichment of individual and community life, and prosperity in the richest sense. It is God’s commitment to establish shalom in this world. That peace comes only in Jesus.
If you read history books or even the daily newspaper, the state of the world shows us the reality of violence, war, and division amongst people, nation against nation, and even within nations. Since Christ is the “desire of all nations” [NIV], he is the only one who can “shake” the human structures that impede life as he intended it to be lived. He alone can unite the hearts of all humankind and cause divisions to cease. Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace, but this verse promotes him not just to the role of a prince but to the very King of peace. “Shalom,” peace, is a rich term that indicates restoration of health, the end of hostilities, enrichment of individual and community life, and prosperity in the richest sense. It is God’s commitment to establish shalom in this world. That peace comes only in Jesus.
Respond
Where is there evidence of division and lack of peace in the world, in our nation, in your community, or even in your family? Take time to praise Jesus as the Desire of Nations. Sing another verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” And then take time to expand on each line as you intercede for yourself, others, and the world.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Where is there evidence of division and lack of peace in the world, in our nation, in your community, or even in your family? Take time to praise Jesus as the Desire of Nations. Sing another verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” And then take time to expand on each line as you intercede for yourself, others, and the world.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
December 10, Horn of Salvation (Mighty Savior)—Luke 1:67-75
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior [“horn of salvation”] for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior [“horn of salvation”] for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
Reflect
The “horn of salvation” [NIV] does not refer to a musical instrument but the deadly weapon of the wild ox. The horn is a sign of strength and a means of victory. This is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus is called a horn, so we must go back to the Old Testament, where Zechariah got the image, to see what it means.
Both 2 Samuel 22:3 and Psalm 18:2 record the same psalm David wrote after God saved him from his enemy, Saul. He says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation.”
God is his defense (shield) and offense (deadly and powerful horn). God is a horn of salvation because he uses his power to secure and protect his people.
In Luke 1:69, Jesus is the horn of salvation because he is a deadly weapon and tremendous power that God uses to save his people from their enemies and all who hate them. But that’s not the end of the story. The point of raising a horn of salvation is not merely to free oppressed people but to create holy and righteous people who can live without fear and can serve him all the days of their lives. Jesus is not only a national liberator but, even more importantly, a spiritual conqueror.
The “horn of salvation” [NIV] does not refer to a musical instrument but the deadly weapon of the wild ox. The horn is a sign of strength and a means of victory. This is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus is called a horn, so we must go back to the Old Testament, where Zechariah got the image, to see what it means.
Both 2 Samuel 22:3 and Psalm 18:2 record the same psalm David wrote after God saved him from his enemy, Saul. He says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation.”
God is his defense (shield) and offense (deadly and powerful horn). God is a horn of salvation because he uses his power to secure and protect his people.
In Luke 1:69, Jesus is the horn of salvation because he is a deadly weapon and tremendous power that God uses to save his people from their enemies and all who hate them. But that’s not the end of the story. The point of raising a horn of salvation is not merely to free oppressed people but to create holy and righteous people who can live without fear and can serve him all the days of their lives. Jesus is not only a national liberator but, even more importantly, a spiritual conqueror.
Respond
Take time, like Zechariah, to reflect on God’s promises in his word. Take time, like David, to write down how God has intervened in your life and circumstances defensively (as a shield) and offensively (as a powerful horn). How does this give you hope, confidence, and courage in the midst of current circumstances? What do you want to say to God right now?
Take time, like Zechariah, to reflect on God’s promises in his word. Take time, like David, to write down how God has intervened in your life and circumstances defensively (as a shield) and offensively (as a powerful horn). How does this give you hope, confidence, and courage in the midst of current circumstances? What do you want to say to God right now?
December 11, Dayspring (Rising Sun)—Luke 1:76-79
‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’
‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’
Reflect
The word “dayspring” comes from the Greek word “dawn”; it is the first light of day. In the winter months, I am especially aware of the need for light and arrange my life to find additional light in various ways. In the short winter days, I get up well before dawn, make a cup of coffee, and sit quietly in front of my light box reading the word, reflecting on the previous day’s experience, journaling, and praying. These simple material things and practices bring comfort and cheer as I wait for the sun to rise and the light of day to come.
Jesus is our “dayspring,” our “dawn.” His arrival brought light to the darkness. He was and is the first dawn of a new day. Isaiah 60:1-3 communicates a similar idea:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of
the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover
the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord
will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the
brightness of your dawn.
Not only has Christ’s light come to us as his people, but now we are invited to partner with him as we shine his light before others so that they are drawn to God because of his light in us.
The word “dayspring” comes from the Greek word “dawn”; it is the first light of day. In the winter months, I am especially aware of the need for light and arrange my life to find additional light in various ways. In the short winter days, I get up well before dawn, make a cup of coffee, and sit quietly in front of my light box reading the word, reflecting on the previous day’s experience, journaling, and praying. These simple material things and practices bring comfort and cheer as I wait for the sun to rise and the light of day to come.
Jesus is our “dayspring,” our “dawn.” His arrival brought light to the darkness. He was and is the first dawn of a new day. Isaiah 60:1-3 communicates a similar idea:
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of
the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover
the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord
will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the
brightness of your dawn.
Not only has Christ’s light come to us as his people, but now we are invited to partner with him as we shine his light before others so that they are drawn to God because of his light in us.
Respond
Take time to sing another verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Take time to praise Jesus as your dayspring, dawn, sunrise—the one who has dispersed the clouds of the night and dark shadows of death to flee from your life. Take time to pray for those you know who live in darkness. Ask God to give you the courage to let his life shine through you as you reach out in love to invite others to celebrate Christmas and share the good news with others. Think and pray about whom you might invite to join you for a concert, program, or worship service during this Advent season, and then do it!
Take time to sing another verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Take time to praise Jesus as your dayspring, dawn, sunrise—the one who has dispersed the clouds of the night and dark shadows of death to flee from your life. Take time to pray for those you know who live in darkness. Ask God to give you the courage to let his life shine through you as you reach out in love to invite others to celebrate Christmas and share the good news with others. Think and pray about whom you might invite to join you for a concert, program, or worship service during this Advent season, and then do it!
December 12, Bright Morning Star—Revelation 22:1-6;16
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.
And he said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.’…‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.
And he said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.’…‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’
Reflect
In this passage, Jesus calls himself “the bright morning star.” This was to fulfill a prophecy, given all the way back in the Old Testament by the prophet Balaam, who said, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).
Notice that Jesus did not refer to himself simply as a star. Instead, he called himself “the bright morning star.” In biblical times and in early astronomy, the Morning Star was the brightest star a person saw in the sky, just before daylight.
Today, we know that this “bright morning star” is not a star. Instead, it is the planet Venus as it appears before sunrise in the western sky. However, many today still refer to it as “the morning star.”
Why would Jesus refer to himself as “the bright morning star”? For thousands of years, mariners and travelers have used the stars as a guide and point of reference. Jesus is our point of reference, giving us direction and helping us to make decisions. Notice that he is not a point of reference; he is the point of reference. He is not just a star among many stars; he is unique. There is no one else like him.
The bright morning star also represents the promise of a new day; it indicates that something better is coming. Today, most people in the world have no hope for the future. The bright morning star is a reminder that no matter what we face today or in this world, another day is coming. Jesus will return and make everything new. The light of his presence and his glory can only be imagined, but it will be wonderful! This is our hope—Jesus is present with us today and will come again to consummate his kingdom, and we will live with him forever.
In this passage, Jesus calls himself “the bright morning star.” This was to fulfill a prophecy, given all the way back in the Old Testament by the prophet Balaam, who said, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).
Notice that Jesus did not refer to himself simply as a star. Instead, he called himself “the bright morning star.” In biblical times and in early astronomy, the Morning Star was the brightest star a person saw in the sky, just before daylight.
Today, we know that this “bright morning star” is not a star. Instead, it is the planet Venus as it appears before sunrise in the western sky. However, many today still refer to it as “the morning star.”
Why would Jesus refer to himself as “the bright morning star”? For thousands of years, mariners and travelers have used the stars as a guide and point of reference. Jesus is our point of reference, giving us direction and helping us to make decisions. Notice that he is not a point of reference; he is the point of reference. He is not just a star among many stars; he is unique. There is no one else like him.
The bright morning star also represents the promise of a new day; it indicates that something better is coming. Today, most people in the world have no hope for the future. The bright morning star is a reminder that no matter what we face today or in this world, another day is coming. Jesus will return and make everything new. The light of his presence and his glory can only be imagined, but it will be wonderful! This is our hope—Jesus is present with us today and will come again to consummate his kingdom, and we will live with him forever.
Respond
How do you want to respond to Jesus, “the Bright Morning Star”? Do you see him as your point of reference, the promise of a new day, a hope for tomorrow? Why or why not? Do you experience the light of his presence with you now? Does the hope of living in his glorious presence give you hope and peace? Why or why not? Take time to talk with Jesus and give him thanks and praise.
How do you want to respond to Jesus, “the Bright Morning Star”? Do you see him as your point of reference, the promise of a new day, a hope for tomorrow? Why or why not? Do you experience the light of his presence with you now? Does the hope of living in his glorious presence give you hope and peace? Why or why not? Take time to talk with Jesus and give him thanks and praise.
December 13, Deliverer—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 broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
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.
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 broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
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.
Reflect
At the beginning of his ministry, as related in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reads this passage and then declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:22). Isaiah has more to say about the captivity of God’s people and the promise of freedom and restoration than any book in the Bible. Isaiah prophesies about the coming of the Deliverer, the one who is destined to set his people free. From this passage, we can learn that God hears the cries of the oppressed and cares deeply about those in captivity—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. The promises of these words are for us as much as they are for those who first heard them.
God fulfills this prophecy in Christ alone. The Spirit was upon Jesus, and we know that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17). God longs to set us free, and Isaiah and Luke agree that only Christ was appointed to offer this kind of freedom.
Respond
Are there any ways that you are experiencing captivity—physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually? Take time to reflect on your life and ask the Lord if there are any areas that he wants to transform. What are the practices, relationships, and experiences that might be a means of offering yourself to God to do what only he can do for you? Whom might you reach out to—a Stephen Minister, a cancer companion, a small group, a spiritual friend, a Renewing Prayer Minister? Is there someone in your life to whom you can be a support? Transformation is an ongoing process, and Jesus Christ is present and working in and through and for us.
At the beginning of his ministry, as related in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reads this passage and then declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:22). Isaiah has more to say about the captivity of God’s people and the promise of freedom and restoration than any book in the Bible. Isaiah prophesies about the coming of the Deliverer, the one who is destined to set his people free. From this passage, we can learn that God hears the cries of the oppressed and cares deeply about those in captivity—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. The promises of these words are for us as much as they are for those who first heard them.
God fulfills this prophecy in Christ alone. The Spirit was upon Jesus, and we know that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17). God longs to set us free, and Isaiah and Luke agree that only Christ was appointed to offer this kind of freedom.
Respond
Are there any ways that you are experiencing captivity—physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually? Take time to reflect on your life and ask the Lord if there are any areas that he wants to transform. What are the practices, relationships, and experiences that might be a means of offering yourself to God to do what only he can do for you? Whom might you reach out to—a Stephen Minister, a cancer companion, a small group, a spiritual friend, a Renewing Prayer Minister? Is there someone in your life to whom you can be a support? Transformation is an ongoing process, and Jesus Christ is present and working in and through and for us.