Date: Apr. 9, 2018
Isaiah 61:1-62:12 (ESV)
Key Verse: 61:1a
1. The year of the LORD's favor (61:1-11))
Jesus read these verses and declared them fulfilled in his coming (Lk 4:18-21). In Jesus' coming, God's favor is revealed to the brokenhearted, prisoners, and oppressed by sin and Satan. Jesus sets us free and gives us a crown of beauty instead of ashes. He heals and rebuilds us, but also gives us a new identity as priests and ministers of God. All who see us acknowledge we are blessed. Being clothed with garments of salvation, as a bride for the groom, in Jesus we delight in our Lord, and reveal his glory.
2. You will be called by a new name (62:1-12)
The proclamation of God's salvation in Jesus is to be shouted to the world. Although once deserted or desolate, now God calls his people by a new name, the ones he delights in, whom he marries, his Holy People and the Redeemed of the Lord. See, our Savior comes! Let us embrace this identity today, proclaim his good news, and experience great joy.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the good news of Jesus! Help me embrace and proclaim it today.
One Word: See, your Savior Comes!
Exodus 8:1-19
Key Verse: 8:19
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
