Preacher of Good News
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news." (Isaiah 61:1 NIV)
You might say Isaiah 61 is Jesus' job description.
He begins by announcing that the Holy Spirit has poured out favor on Him and set Him apart for the sacred purpose of preaching good news. This is a job Jesus is entirely suited to because He IS the good news. Every piece of good news He foretells, He fulfills.
This Preacher can proclaim the good news that the hearts of the hurting will be bound up, because He is the Healer.
This Preacher can proclaim the good news that the captives will be freed and the prisoners released, because He is the Redeemer who purchased their freedom and their release.
This Preacher can proclaim the good news that the grieving will wear gladness and praise instead of mourning and despair, because He is the Joy-Giver.
This Preacher can proclaim the good news that the broken will rebuild ancient ruins and restore devastated places, because He is the Cornerstone.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7). When I read the Gospel—the news that is eternally good—I can't help but think that this Preacher's nail-scarred feet must be very, very beautiful indeed.
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I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to tell me what you really think. Years ago, I explained to my then-two-year-old that my appointment with a counselor was "sort of like going to a doctor who will help me be a better mommy." Without blinking, she replied, "You'd better go every day." All of which is just to say I've spent some time in the school of brutal honesty!