FWD: Morning Manna (Dec. 11); BP: Is. 61; RBTTY: Rev. 2; Hos. 5-8

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:00:34 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 11); BP: Is. 61; RBTTY: Rev. 2; Hos. 5-8
 

December 11                                                                                                                                                                    &n bsp;                      “Good Tidings to the Meek”

 

                              “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek. . .”

                                                                                                                                                                  &n bsp;                                                                           Isaiah 61:1a

     To the down-and-outs, He’s the Up-and-In.

     The faceless masses.  That’s what the world seems to be much of the time anymore, especially in this day-and-age of the internet, television and increasing opportunities for no need of social contact with others.

 

     We can buy most anything on-line.  We need not see a clerk or cashier.  We need not run the risk of rude behavior or unkind words.  We need only to make our selection, type in the required information, hit the “Send” button” and soon our request will be left outside of the door by a total stranger—without our even having to say a word to him.

 

     No wonder we’re lonelier now than ever.

     And, no wonder we’re more in need of Christ, God’s Deliverer, than ever.

     The Hebrew word “anav” is used here for “meek” and also means “depressed, needy, lowly, etc.”  Ideally, it denotes someone with humility—i.e., someone who is “lowly in heart” and “blessed” (Mt. 5:5).  However, in the context of Is. 61:1-3 it likely means those who are “downtrodden”. . .someone who’s on his/her last leg. . .down for the count. . .about to go under and no boat, beach or life preserver anywhere in sight.

 

     But, just when it seems all hope is lost, God’s Deliverer shows us.

     Sent from Heaven, this Spirit-appointed-and-anointed, long-awaited Good News Messenger shows up “to preach good tidings to the meek.”  And, what “good tidings” (Heb. “basar”—“to be fresh, rosy, to announce glad news, etc.”) it is.

 

     To those who are “troubled on every side” (II Cor. 4:8a), He brings peace.  To those who are “perplexed” (II Cor. 4:8b), He brings perspective and hope.  To those who have been beaten up and left for dead by the world (II Cor. 4:8c-9), He brings the healing Salve of His Love. 

 

     Yes, this wonderful Savior is the Bearer of “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Lk. 2:10), regardless of who they are, what they’ve done or where they live.  Depression and downcast spirits are no respecter of persons; neither is the Heavenly Father (Acts 10:34).  He is an “Equal Opportunity Savior,” Who specializes in “wrecks rebuilt.”  Hallelujah!!

 

     No pill can bring forgiveness of sin and no potion can cleanse a guilty conscience.  Only Jesus’ blood can do that (Heb. 9:14).  And, not amount of money can buy peace-of-mind or buy a home in Heaven.  Only Christ, God’s only Son, can do that (Jn. 14:1-3, 27).

 

     Therefore, in His Name we should “go into all the world” (Mt. 28:18-20), letting them know of the One Who can give them what they need (Jn. 4:1-29).  And, when they hear and understand His “good tidings unto the meek,” they’ll sing with the saints of every generation, “Tell me the story of Jesus.  Write on my heart every word.”  Amen and amen.