“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations; and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.” – Isaiah 61:1-4
As Jesus began His earthly ministry, he reads from this portion of the book of Isaiah and proclaims the prophecy is fulfilled. Because Jesus came, there is comfort for all who mourn, freedom for captives and the promise of devastated cities being rebuilt. I am so grateful for this good, good news.
I am forever grateful to the Father for sending such a gift and I am praising Him for the comfort and joy that this news is to each of us, especially in the midst of such challenging times.
Would you join me in praying the whole of Isaiah 61 over our Haitian brothers and sisters in this new year?
by Katie Thom, HFH Board President