In studying the first week of Beth Moore’s Breaking Free, the central Scripture was Isaiah 61:1-3.
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.
As I first read this passage in the context of my breaking free from spiritual chains, I was applying these words to my own life, interpreting them as a prophecy written on my own life. Though I have read these verses in the context of Christ, for whatever reason my perspective was different this time. But then, I got to the next paragraph in Beth’s study guide and she explicitly pointed out how these verses were indications of the great works and power the Messiah Jesus was going to have on earth (and referenced Luke 4:14-21 as prophetic fulfillment.)
Certainly Beth is correct in his interpretation of these verses, but my heart was a bit down-trodden as I realized they weren’t indications of prophecy meant for my life. I was disappointed, but moved on, knowing I serve a Christ who is capable of all of those things.
And then, the moment of clarity came to me as quick as a flash, evidently a word from the Holy Spirit (John 14:12-13).
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
These words from the mouth of Jesus, the one fulfilling the prophecy to bind up the broken hearts, to bring (to BE) the Good News, and proclaim the Lord to all those who mourn, was telling me that through my faith in him I was do those same great deeds on his behalf — and even greater. HOW POWERFUL!
My God is a God of redemption, of glory, of greatness, of healing and mercy. And through his anointing on my life, the righteousness poured into me through the sacrifice of his Son, I am given the power to do even greater things than Christ.
Am I (are you?) prepared for the fullness of this prophecy in my life?
I love this, Mel! What an encouragement and a challenge!
Amazing! Love your thoughts on this! :)
Beautiful thoughts and a preparedness question we all need to ask ourselves! Thank you for sharing this.