“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3
The heart of the Lord is revealed in the mission of the Lord. Jesus quotes Isaiah in Luke 4 as He announces the fulfillment of this Scripture in their hearing.
Would you love to be described as having a heart like His? As we express God’s heart for the poor by providing food and sharing His message of salvation with those without hope, our actions and words reflect the heart of the Father.
When we come alongside those with broken hearts and those who are living in bondage and offer them love and a way out of captivity, we share with the world that it is God’s desire to set them free. When we comfort those who are hurting and experiencing deep loss, we show that we serve the God who comforts everyone – deep inside where no one else can reach. Together, we are His witnesses. The Lord can indeed give “beauty instead of ashes…gladness instead of mourning…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Our mission and new purpose in Him reflects His image and heart to a broken and hurting world. We cannot reflect Him without Him – but He has anointed us - His Spirit is upon us. He gives us the strength, power, grace, and love to express His heart and image to the world. May we be Jesus’ hands and feet – expressing His heart for the broken.
Do you bear His image by expressing His heart in word and deed?
Heavenly Father, thank You for expressing Your heart through Your mission and calling on our lives. Please work powerfully within us to shape our hearts like Yours. May we express Your heart for the broken and marginalized in our society in our words and in our deeds. May it be for your honor and glory, Amen.
Take Action
Read through Isaiah 61:1-3. Ask the Lord to shape your heart like His. Ask Him for opportunities to display His heart in action or in your words today.
See Others Through Jesus’ Eyes.