March 7, 2004	Read Isaiah 61
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.
THERE IS GOOD NEWS Sometimes no news is good news. Newspapers warn of job layoffs, bills mailed with no money to pay, calls from the doctor, even letters from friends... Too much worry, sadness, bad news. Prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s word of encouragement to people who were down and out, devastated by exile and oppression, suffering many miseries: God’s word of love and hope. Five centuries later Jesus picked up this very scripture for his first public proclamation: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor... Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18, 21) Years ago, while serving at Kansas City’s Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry, I carried a box of food to the home of a woman who had lost her job after being diagnosed with MS. She called for help when her cupboards were bare, electricity off, her home dark and cold. This cloudy gray day, I wondered how to help beyond a little food and utility aid. Nearing her apartment, I looked toward her window and saw her handmade cardboard sign with a message for the world: “Jesus loves me, this I know!” She was sharing her source of help and strength. This woman of faith, hope, caring and courage became a partner in helping others and speaking up for people trapped by troubles. She knew Jesus shared her pain. The Spirit of God was sending her with the Good News of Christ. Let us pray: O God of mercy and grace, I pray that you would use me to bring good news to someone who needs your word of hope and love, in Jesus’ name. REV. SALLY FAHRENTHOLD

[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]