Purpose, Restoration, Promise
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Elliot Chiam from Prayer & Praise Ministry)
READ:
Isaiah 61 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Isaiah 61 covers the anointing of a servant of the Lord to bring good news and freedom to captives (v1). There are actions described in the passage such as “proclaim” and “comfort” (v2) which capture the core purpose and ministry of this servant of the Lord.
There is a rebuilding and restoration (v4) of ruins, a reinstatement of what was lost (v7). The passage also describes how God loves justice (v8) and will make things right.
The word “instead” was used 5 times in Isaiah 61 (v3 and v7). The mention of this word centres around God turning something bad into something good.
Towards the end of the chapter, the servant proclaims his delight in the Lord (v10) and how his soul rejoices in God who had clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness. It is a beautiful and glorious picture. I also observe that these garments are given by the Lord (v10).
APPLY:
As I reflect on these passages; I need to examine inwardly and ask myself –
Purpose – What is my purpose as a believer of Christ? If I profess to know and follow Christ, do my words and actions proclaim with boldness that I have been empowered by God to bring good news to the communities around me? It is easy for me to be distracted and to forget this purpose and calling.
Restoration – Do I believe and live in the light of the hope and reality that God has the ability to transform sorrow to joy, replacing mourning with praise, and ashes with a crown of beauty?
Promise – Am I still affected by sorrow and weighed down by earthly circumstances that I forget about God’s promise to His people?
Jesus had also used Isaiah 61:1 to start His ministry in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21), reminding me that Jesus was a fulfilment of God’s promises described in the passage. The passage encourages me to be an agent of hope and renewal in this broken world.
DO:
I will:
- Remind myself that God has empowered me by His Spirit to proclaim the good news of the gospel in word and deed, just as Jesus did. A proclamation has to be bold!
- Pray that God will teach me to let go of my burdens and feel the joy of surrender, He alone knows the past and the future. He is on His throne holding all things together.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for the fulfilment of Your promise of hope, restoration, justice and joy through the coming of Your anointed servant, Jesus Christ. This Advent, remind me of the example set by Jesus, His ministry and character. I confess my tendency to rely on my own wisdom, empower me by Your Spirit and give me a greater dependance on Your leading. Thank You Lord for being my living hope.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
