Daily Devotionals

My Name Is: Week 4 - Wednesday

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

Because the word "anoint" is not frequent in our vocabulary, it can be hard to understand its significance and the implications of being anointed. In Jesus' day, animals were anointed for sacrifice. Kings were anointed as they stepped into their new kingly role. Priests were anointed as they were ordained into their priestly position. Scripture teaches that Jesus was also anointed. Amazingly, when He came to earth, He was anointed by the Spirit as both Sacrifice and King.

Isaiah 61 is a prophecy written about Jesus Christ. This chapter begins by saying, "the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor." You see, Jesus Christ is the only one with the power to save, rescue, and provide physical and spiritual healing. He was the right Person, the only Person, who had power to rescue you and me. The Holy Spirit's anointing on Him reminds us of this truth. It signifies His position and power to come to earth and rescue us. He is perfect. He has no sin, which was essential so that He could sacrifice His life to pay the price for our sins. At the same time, Jesus is also the King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15). He deserves all of the honor and praise we can give Him, yet He, the King, left heaven and came to earth to be the ultimate sacrifice to save you and me. What undeserved kindness He has shown us!

Did you know that if you are a follower of Christ, you have been anointed by the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20)? This means that you have been tasked with the honor of carrying His message and making Him known. You have been equipped and called to tell others about Him. As you go, remember that you are equipped because you have the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you carry His name today?

Moving Toward Action

Hopefully, you are currently praying for people in your life who do not know God. Reach out today to one person in your life who is far from Him. Tell them what you learned today about Christ, the King and Sacrifice who gave His life so that they could be freed from their sin.

Going Deeper

Read Isaiah 61:1-11 (NLT)

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.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
    that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
    and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
    he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
    festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
    that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
    repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
    though they have been deserted for many generations.
Foreigners will be your servants.
    They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
    and tend your vineyards.
You will be called priests of the Lord,
    ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
    and boast in their riches.
Instead of shame and dishonor,
    you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

“For I, the Lord, love justice.
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be recognized
    and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
    the Lord has blessed.”

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
    For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
    and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
    or a bride with her jewels.
The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
    Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
    with plants springing up everywhere.