We live in a broken mess.
On the news we hear about fires raging out of control, earthquakes rattling communities, and unresolved wars. People made homeless due to natural disasters or joblessness. Families crumble under financial or relational stress. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t hear about someone receiving a devastating health diagnosis.
Discouragement and loss of hope abound.
The world is a broken mess on a large scale. Individuals are broken mess on a smaller scale.
The result is the same no matter how large or small the scale—pain, disillusionment, and hurt.
In the middle of our mess, God brings hope.
At just the right time in history, God intervened with a redemption plan for all eternity through the birth of a baby who would be the Messiah. His plan brought a different kind of hope, one that looks beyond the struggle.
In Isaiah 61:1 a prophecy is given by the prophet Isaiah about Jesus Christ coming into the broken world.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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.
Jesus left the the majesty and splendor of heaven to enter our sinful world, for us—to breathe our air and walk on our soil. To redeem our hurting lives from pain and bring us hope.
God became like one of us in the broken mess.
Jesus stated his purpose in Luke 4:18-19 as he read the scroll of Isaiah.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
From the prophecy to his purpose, Jesus came to bring hope to the broken mess of the world.
What does the prophecy and purpose mean for you and me?
When I am poor in spirit or lacking provisions, I can turn to the Savior for hope.
I can rest in the Messiah’s love when I am brokenhearted. God’s word offers comfort.
When I need recovery from spiritual blindness, the Lord opens my eyes to see his truth.
Jesus offers freedom and forgiveness from the chains of past mistakes and hurts.
Sally Smith
This re-reminded me of what God has done for me. It also challenged me to again remember those around me who are missing out. The love of God is so awesome and compelling.
Nancy Kay Grace
Yes, his love is compelling! Thanks for sharing!