Isaiah 61
Reading link: https://bit.ly/4hAjMNu
Audio link: https://bit.ly/4iwmvsy
Contemplation (verse 4-5)
The mission of the Lord Christ, whom the Father had anointed to preach good news to the poor, is “to rebuild the old ruins” (Is. 61: 4), which became desolate along the ages. The human nature, along all ages, became like ruined cities, which need to be demolished and rebuilt. This is the work of God the Creator, who sets His kingdom in us, turning us, by His Holy Spirit, from being a dwelling place for sin and evil, into a sanctuary for the Lord. As to the foreigners who tend to our sheep, guard our land, and work as vinedressers in our vineyards, they are the inner energies and motives of our souls, that became as though foreign or a stranger to the Lord and His kingdom. They submit anew, so as not to be obstacles on the way of our salvation, but, on the contrary, as supporter that helps the soul in its holy battle.
+ Fr Tadros Malaty
New Testament Reference to this reading: Luke 4:16-21
Personal Reflection
What do verses 1-5 in this passage tell me about Christ’s mission to give me salvation? What does He want for me?
Bible Knowledge Question
How would you characterise the sorts of people for whom the Messiah came?
Prayer
Lord, You said You came to heal the brokenhearted, give liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed. Heal my broken heart of its disappointments and rejections, free me from the sin I’ve let enslave me, open my eyes to the sins I’m blind to and to Your wonders I’m unable to see, free me from the oppression of my desires and the deceptions of the devil. Rebuild me. Amen.
What’s a Thematic Study? Focussing on particular readings to understand a particular theme.
Selected Theme “Christ in the Prophecies” – we’ll be looking at OT prophecies and characters that are types of Christ, who point to His mission & His passion.