Day 18: Anointed to Set the Captives Free
Isaiah 61:1
We know that Lord Jesus is the speaker here because He quotes verses 1 and 2a in the synagogue at Nazareth (see Luke 4:16–21) and added that, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21). He was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism. The anointing of Jesus was that sanctification of His human nature by the Holy Spirit, which commenced in the womb of the blessed virgin (see Luke 1:35), which continued as He grew to manhood (see Luke 2:40, 52), which was openly manifested at His baptism, and never ceased till He took His body and soul with Him into heaven. His earthly ministry was concerned with bringing the good tidings of salvation to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty to sin’s captives, and opening the prison of those who were bound. He has proclaimed good news to those who are ready for salvation, accepting Him as Lord and Savior in their hearts. The term “binding up” is an ordinary expression in Isaiah’s writings about healing—the healing of the brokenhearted and broken physical body. And He is ready to save those who are bound by the power of sin, evil, and darkness.
Reflection Questions:
1) Have you or your family members encountered God’s salvation through Jesus Christ?
2) Have you or your family members ever experienced God’s healing either physically or spiritually?
3) Have you or your family members experienced freedom from the power of evil spirits and darkness?
Reflection Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we are so thankful for who You are in our lives. Thank You for saving us from the darkest night in our lives and transferring us into your Kingdom of Light. You are the Healer who has healed us from our illness that earthly physicians cannot heal. You have claimed us to be Yours forever, and the power of sin and darkness cannot overcome! It is a privilege to serve You and Your Church until the day You will return a second time on the Earth. We pray in Your name. Amen.
Week 3: Christ Our Healer
Isaiah 53:4–5
As we focus on the life of Christ, this week’s theme is Christ Our Healer. God promises healing in both aspects—physical and spiritual. At times, He provides immediate physical healing to encourage gratitude towards God, which can lead to a deeper spiritual relationship, resulting in spiritual healing. Conversely, there are instances where spiritual healing is prioritized, altering the individual’s perspective on pain, and enabling them to endure while awaiting God’s physical intervention. During His time on Earth, Jesus healed many individuals and often remarked that their faith had healed them. Therefore, it is essential to pray with expectant faith. Ultimately, it is at God’s discretion whether He grants miraculous healing or offers the grace for endurance. When Paul implored God three times to remove the thorn from his flesh, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, and my strength is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
Reflection Questions
Have you or your family experienced supernatural healing?
How do you pray for an unbeliever’s healing?
How do you comfort someone who prayed for a miracle that didn’t happen?