An Upward Look
A Daily Devotional Observation from God's Word
August 16
SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR TODAYThe Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
This scripture, quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, can be claimed by every minister and every soul winner as their very own. God has anointed us and sent us on a mission. This mission is to bind up the brokenhearted by a three-fold proclamation: (1) Liberty to those bound by sin, (2) The acceptable year of the Lord, and (3) The Day of Judgment. We are to comfort all that mourn by offering them beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise for heaviness. It is not us, but rather, the God that is in us, that gives these things. The result is to make them trees of righteousness, the plantings of the Lord that brings forth fruit in his season. The purpose is that God might be glorified. Pastor, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, music director, church leader, soul winner, what a great mission we have! ~~~
DAILY BIBLE READING: Isaiah 61-63