Isaiah 61

Isaiah 61:1 NIV

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,

While proclaiming good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted and proclaiming freedom for captives is a commendable thing, this verse is not a commendation of, nor a call to justice ministries. The people of God are about to experience God's discipline. As a result, they will be the poor, the brokenhearted and the captives. This chapter is a promise. When God disciplines his people it is only temporary.

God's discipline is for the purpose of restoration, not punishment. God's patience was long with those who were offending his law. God may have taken a long time sending his judgment, but it's coming was sure and certain. His future blessing was just as certain.

When in the midst of discipline it is sometimes easy to feel like we are not loved. The discipline feels harsh from our perspective. The reality is that the discipline is rarely as severe as we deserve. God's love for us never falters. His purpose never fades. His promise of blessing never wavers. Discipline is for the purpose of restoration and that is exactly what he will do with his people.

Father, when I am disciplining may I never forget this. May I always discipline with your heart and your purposes. When I am being disciplined may I humbly receive the discipline and come back to your heart quickly. Your love never fails.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert