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.
– Isaiah 61:1-2 (NLT)
As prisoners who have been set free by the Lord we now bear a responsibility to bring the good news, to comfort those who need it and proclaim freedom. Good news for the poor is the gospel of God’s grace but it is also food, clothing and shelter. It is honest and ethical business dealings, it is treating with respect and dignity. Comforting the brokenhearted is sharing that there is a great day coming when all the wrongs will be made right and we will see true justice. It is listening to someone who is sad, it is holding someone while they cry. It could be volunteering with a prison or hospital ministry or going to a retirement home.
As recipients of the good news we need to share that same good news as the spiritual and physical truth that it is with the world.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, 60189. All rights reserved.
Ryan North is the Co-Founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of The Empowered Parent Podcast. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and child-placing agencies. Ryan is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and practical approach to communicating complex issues clearly and relatable to a wide range of audiences.