A “Springtime Sip”… “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations!” (Isaiah 61:11 ESV) My prayer? Fulfill it Lord – bring it to pass!!!
This morning I read an Old Testament prophecy that was powerfully fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ! Here it is…
Isaiah’s prophetic words: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified!” (Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV)
As I read these words this morning three words came to mind regarding Jesus and that prophecy…
DRAMA! Jesus, just a hometown boy from Nazareth, visits the synagogue there one Sabbath. He was invited to read and comment, as a visiting rabbi, on this prophetic passage. Picture it: He stood up, received the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, unrolled it, found the place in the scroll where Isaiah’s prophecy was located, and began to read the passage…
DECLARATION! Then the Bible says “He gave the scroll back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him and he said to them, ‘TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED IN YOUR HEARING!’” (Luke 4:16-20)
Then… DELIVERY!
From that moment on, the life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus fulfilled that prophecy in every detail!
But that’s not all… After Jesus ascended back to heaven, the Church – His redeemed people, that the New Testament refers to as “the Body of Christ” – are called upon (no, more than that – empowered and mandated) to continue and carry out His mission “in His name” until He returns!
Powerful eh? Simply powerful!! He did His part – He fulfilled the prophecy concerning Himself… We, His people, must do ours to bring it to final fulfillment!!! May we do it “in His name, and through the power of the Holy Spirit until He returns!!!
Today my Bible reading included one of my very favorite Scripture passages for sending to dear friends blessings and greetings. Believe me, it’s a wonderful passage! It would be difficult to find anything in the Bible that is more appropriate or gracious to share with someone you care about and love. I’m passing it on to all you today! A BLESSING FROM THE LORD AND A DEAR FRIEND IS ALWAYS SPECIAL!!!
Here it is – from Psalm 20:1-5!!!
“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help and give you support when you need it!
May He remember all your offerings and regard with favor your sacrifices!
May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” (Adapted from Psalm 20:1–5)
If today marks a special occasion in your life … RECEIVE THIS BLESSING! If today is not a special occasion for you … just enjoy this greeting from me and be blessed!!
Coffee With The Lord 