The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. Isaiah 61:1a
As Jesus begins his ministry, he picks up this scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth, and begins reading. He proclaims that this Scripture is fulfilled in him (Luke 4:17-21). Then, toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, he commissions us, or calls us, to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing, and teaching…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus came to proclaim the gospel (literally meaning “good news”) and asks us to do the same! You and I have been anointed – set apart by God for a specific and special purpose. Every one of us has a calling that God has orchestrated. The best news is that we don’t walk into this calling alone. Just as Jesus read from the scroll in Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,” you and I are also anointed and commissioned to go and tell the good news by the power of the Holy Spirit in and with us.
In these final prophecies from Isaiah, there is hope and redemption for Israel. God’s promises shine through. Israel’s identity moves from “the Forsaken City” or “Desolate Land” to “the City of God’s Delight” (Isaiah 62:4). God also delights in you – as he chose Israel as his people, so he has chosen you to proclaim the Good News, too!
Questions for reflection:
- What do you think or feel when you read “God has anointed me.”?
- What is your calling? Where is God calling you? In what ways do you live out the Great Commission in Matthew 28?
- Do you believe God delights in you?