Slices
Prepare
‘Lord, I quieten my heart and mind as I come before you. I am aware of world events, national politics and the struggles of many people. In the silence of my breath, I reach out to you.’
Bible passage
The year of the Lord’s favour
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion –
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendour.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the Lord,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
8 ‘For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the Lord has blessed.’
10 I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the young plant come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
Explore
This is another well-known and much‑loved passage of scripture. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ public ministry begins with him reading these words at the synagogue in Nazareth. He applies them directly to himself (Luke 4:21). These now become his words expressing his vocation.
Some theologians refer to it as the Nazareth manifesto, since it outlines God’s agenda for the world. In its tone and style, this reading is like the Servant Songs found in Isaiah (42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13 – 53:12) and some suggest this is the fifth Servant Song, using phrases and words found extensively in Isaiah 40–66. It’s a personal and passionate song, reflecting God’s desire to heal his broken people and draw the nations to himself. We live in a world where these words are still helpful and relevant. Where are the opportunities for us to minister to God’s broken people? What are the places in the world where we want to pray for God to draw the people to himself?
Respond
‘I pray for those who have lost hope, feeling that God has passed them by. For church leaders who are despondent and tired. For me, as I seek to follow Jesus in hard times.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Micah 1–3; Psalm 144
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for the children and young people exploring faith through the ministry of churches in schools. Ask God to give them a thirst to get to know Jesus for themselves.
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