RTW 2024

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
    for the LORD has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
    and to proclaim that captives will be released
    and prisoners will be freed.

Isaiah 61:1

Anointing with olive oil was a common practice on joyous occasions.

• Anointed: commissioned
• Good news: good tidings, glad tidings, encourage
• Poor: humble, afflicted, meek, oppressed
• Bind up the brokenhearted: heal, comfort, help the brokenhearted
• Freedom for the captives: proclaim liberty, proclaim release, release from confinement and condemnation to the physical and spiritual captives
• Release from darkness for the prisoners: opening of the prison to those who are bound, freedom to the prisoners
• “Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”
  Luke 7:22
• Jesus’ words to John about the confirmation of His Messiahship focused on healing people and setting people free.

The good news should set people free. Pray about what this looks like in our practical, everyday life.