“The Spirit of the Lord…has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.’’

Luke 4:18
The poor, imprisoned, sick, and oppressed are generally in a position of powerlessness. In a world where wealth is fulfillment, mobility is freedom, health is worshipped, and position is power, those in need feel ostracized. Sadly, even in the church, the neglected “wounded” are sometimes examined and triaged before being treated with the salve of compassion and the good news of the gospel of Christ.
There was an outcry of the Jews who survived the oppression of the exile, only to be enslaved and exploited by their fellow wealthier Jews. God heard their outcry and sent His servant Nehemiah to restore justice and free the oppressed, just as He had once sent His servant Moses to free the children of Israel, and ultimately would send His own Son.
Jesus came to free His people of all nations who were poor in spirit, imprisoned, sick with sin, and oppressed by the enemy. His broken body on the cross made the way for the fractured people of God to be restored, knit together, and formed into the beautiful Body of Christ.



Scripture Focus

Nehemiah 5

Insight

Has the outcry of hurting or lost people reached your ears? Are you outraged enough to restore justice, seek mercy, and proclaim the good news?

Bible In A Year

  • Judges 9
  • Psalm 113
  • 1 Corinthians 3-4

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