ADVENT DEVOTIONAL | Day 17 | Good News

READ
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
Isaiah 61:1

REFLECT
Yesterday we reflected on the darkness and brokenness of our world. Today, Isaiah 61:1 draws our attention to the many ways that brokenness touches our lives. The prophecy speaks of the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, and the bound. Can you relate to any of these descriptions? Do they bring someone to mind? If so, there is good news for you to know—and to share.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He stood in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth, opened the scroll of Isaiah, and read these very words. Then He proclaimed, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:16-21). What a bold declaration! Jesus was claiming to be the Promised One. Throughout His life, He proved this claim true: with hands that healed, words that forgave, and a life given for sinners. The good news became flesh and walked among the poor, the brokenhearted, and the captive.

And yet, even as Jesus fulfilled this promise, the story is not complete. We know there are still broken hearts, chains that are seen and unseen, and weary souls longing for freedom. Advent invites us to live in this holy tension: rejoicing in what Christ has already done while longing for what He will one day fully accomplish. May we live as people who believe this good news and lovingly share it with the world around us.

RESPOND

• Consider how this promise is good news for you. How has Jesus bound you up when you were brokenhearted and set you free when you were captive?
• Who in your life needs to hear this good news? Begin to pray for them and ask God to give you opportunities to share this good news with them.