“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” — Isaiah 35:5-6

Here is one of those Messianic prophecies that takes us beyond descriptions of where, how, and when He would be born. This one’s about His ministry itself. People might have wondered, once the Messiah came, what His ministry or reign would be about. How could His work be described or summarized? How about this: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised.

The Messiah was never meant to be an earthly king who would exert power over the subjects of His kingdom or the other kingdoms of the world. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. What we see in Jesus’ ministry is the Creator putting His creation back together. Sin did a number on God’s creation. Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed to us that His purpose was to restore His creation. The sick and the broken came to him for healing and repair. The same is true for us today. It is not Jesus’ desire that we wallow in the despair of our brokenness. He isn’t looking for a way to drive us deeper into guilt and shame. It is His desire to permanently lift us up from the mire and through His grace and forgiveness set us free from what ails us.

This is not only what Jesus’ ministry is about. This is what the Cross is about. Jesus bore our sin, shame, and brokenness on the cross. He removed it from us and took it upon Himself. When He said, “It is finished!” we were healed. Today, may we ponder and meditate on the compassionate ministry of Jesus. May we see this work not only for others, but for ourselves. He came to heal you and to set you free.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.org