Today's Scripture
Isaiah 61:1–9
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 brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, 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. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; but you shall be called priests of the Lord, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. (NRSV)
Reflection
What a vivid announcement of God’s gracious love for a hurting world! The prophet declares that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him, not for personal glory but for ministry — “to bring good news to the oppressed … bind up the brokenhearted … proclaim liberty to the captives.” This passage finds its fullest expression in Christ, who reads these words in the synagogue and proclaims, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled” (Luke 4:21). The good news is not something we achieve or manufacture; it is God’s saving work breaking into human history.
This passage reminds me that God’s mission is restorative. The Lord plants righteousness in people the way a gardener tends a garden — carefully, patiently, intentionally. Our transformation is God’s gracious work, not the product of our own striving. We are recipients before we are participants.
And yet, we are also called to join in Christ’s ministry, becoming “oaks of righteousness” who stand firm and offer shelter to others.
We are reassured that God’s justice is not abstract. It is expressed in real renewal: ruined places rebuilt, mourning turned to gladness, shame exchanged for dignity. Indeed, God’s redemption moves outward, calling you and me into acts of compassion, justice, and peacemaking.
Living in hope, thanks to God’s faithful covenant: What will you and I do and say today in the ministry of God’s love?
Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, descend on me today. Spirit of the Living God, descend on me today. Heal the places in my heart that are captive or broken, restore my joy, ground my hope in your covenant promises, and root my life in your righteousness. Make me an agent of your compassion and justice in the world you so love. Amen.
Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email
YouTube
Podcasts
/fourthchurch
#fourthchurch
@fourthchicago