Preparing Thoughts

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, 
Because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; 
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 
To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; 
To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD
And the day of vengeance of our God; 
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
~ Isaiah 61:1-3

This passage of Scripture described the ministry of the Messiah, and the people would know of the arrival of the Messiah by witnessing these works. Jesus read this passage at the beginningof His ministry to declare His Messiahship and what He was going to do among them (cf. Luke 4:17-21). For some reason I have always been struck by this passage. It speaks of liberation and restoration, that what was once broken will not only be mended but also made beautiful. I long for world to be restored, be made whole again, for shalom. It is not enough to be rescued but to also be restored, and all for His glory. 

I have decided to claim this passage as the theme for the Cambodia trip. I am starting to pray that this passage will become a reality for the people with whom I will interact. In no way do I consider myself to be the Savior of the people. There is only One. I pray that He will work through me to make the broken whole and plant seeds that the Lord will grow into oaks of righteousness. Above all, I pray that He will be glorified and magnified in Cambodia. There is no greated goal.

I leave tonight!

Comments

- Mighty B said…
Best wishes on your trip! I can't wait to read your updates.
9:10 AM
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