+DEV+ By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]

Date: April 11, 2013 10:38 PM
Topic: +DEV+  By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]

By Grace: Good News! [26 of 27]

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because [He] has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me ...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor..." (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:13-21

You may remember that Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 to announce the opening of His earthly ministry. After being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He went to Nazareth and began to speak in the synagogue. He was handed a scroll bearing this text in Isaiah 61:1-2. After reading it, Jesus said, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:13-21). Following a brief reference to the grace given Gentiles, Luke tells us what happened next: "All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way" (Luke 4:28-30).

Notice where Jesus stopped reading Isaiah. He does not say the words of Isaiah 61:2b, "...and the day of vengeance of our God..." In His coming the first time, Jesus brought the "good news" of God's grace. His second coming will include the "bad news" of God's wrath.

Insight: Do you sometimes feel depressed? I do. Hear God's cure in verse 3: "...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Try it!




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.