Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Freedom: Gift from God

Bible portion :Isaiah 61:1-3

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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor – Isaiah 61:1-2a

Devotion
Isaiah 61 describes the compassionate ministry of the Messiah. He will bring Good News to the poor. The anointed Messiah will lift up the lowly through God’s Word. He will set the captives free, restore sight to the blind, and liberate the oppressed and downtrodden.
"The year of the Lord’s favor" refers to the year of Jubilee as outlined in the law of Moses. This special year occurred every 50th year. At this time slaves were freed, debts were forgiven, and ancestral lands were restored to their original owners. Everything that was wrong would be set right. 
At the start of Jesus’s ministry, he read the same passage at a synagogue in Nazareth. According to Luke 4:21, after reading it, Jesus declared, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Through Jesus Christ, every promise has been fulfilled—the cross cancels our debts and liberates us completely from the bondage of sin. We now live in the age of God’s favor.
Being redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, it is our responsibility to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. We are commissioned to bring hope, love, truth, and compassion to those around us. We have been 'Lighted to Lighten'. Let us pray for Holy Spirit to guide us, empower us, and use us as instruments of His peace and grace today and always.
PRAYER
Abba Father, place your Spirit upon us that we may proclaim the Good News, bind up the broken-hearted, and declare your grace and favor in our divided world. In your holy name, Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 
 
Genuine freedom is found in Christ alone.
 
Bala Elizabeth Jacob
Austin Mar Thoma Church, Texas
 

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