This month I was going to write about New Year’s resolutions and share lots of my thoughts on how we could live in a way that is in step with the great commandments… then I realised that I have no ideas, thoughts or words that are anywhere near as good as Jesus’ mandate that we see in Isaiah 61 and quoted by Jesus in Luke 4.
I'm sure lots of people have read this before, but have we really taken time to sit down and muse on its implications for our lives and our love of the world? If we truly want to be imitators of Christ and live a wholehearted and adventurous life for Him, then here is our mandate. As term starts and normal life resumes, why not take a moment to stop and meditate on these powerful words:
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 broken-hearted, 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 joy 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 splendour. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
‘For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.’
Dot works for Rhythms and loves inspiring people to make a big difference in this world. She spends loads of time investing in people who are doing amazing things for people suffering injustice. She eats more chocolate than the average human could cope with. You can follow her on twitter here.
