Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – February 10, 2017

Today’s readings: Isaiah 61:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Mark 10:32-45

As my son travels through middle school, I notice that his class assignments are more of a challenge for him (and my wife and me). Science became deeper. Math is more detailed. It is a humbling experience to walk with him as both helper and learner, while the assignments demand greater attention.

In Isaiah 6:1, the prophet proclaims the anointed Messiah with bold assignments that stand against the world’s norms. Where the world offers a broken and fractured nature, the Messiah has a list of assignments that will bring transformation where it is needed most: the poor will hear good news, the brokenhearted will receive comfort, sorrow will be turned into joy, despair into praise, and the captives and prisoners will be released and freed. The year of the Lord’s favor, then becomes the year of redemption.

This proclamation, to be carried out by Christ himself, will stand firm and rise victorious over whatever grief and sorrow the world offers. The garment of praise and crown of beauty, as described by Isaiah, is a grace to our ears. And our grateful response to God’s mercy seems proper.

Prayer: Help us to delight in your Word so that our souls will rejoice in you. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Ken Reed, Pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, NC.

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