Answering the ‘WHY’

Posted on December 27, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

After the gifts were opened, the Christmas ham was eaten, and the ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ cake was cut (as is a family tradition), it was time to bid my parents and grandparents goodbye and head back home to my apartment. Once there, I got into my fuzziest pajamas, sat on my bed, opened my Bible, and reflected on Jesus. It was the perfect way to end the holiday.

I’ve been going through a Beth Moore Bible Study and on this particular day, her workbook had instructed me read Isaiah 61:1-4. In this passage, Isaiah was proclaiming a prophecy that would one day be fulfilled by Jesus. Luke 4: 20-21 (below) records the fulfillment of this prophecy.

“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” – Luke 4:20-21

The story of Jesus’ birth is so beautiful and so well known. We know HOW he came; He was birthed by a virgin named Mary in the town of Bethlehem. We also know WHY he came. He came to lead others to the Father. He came to willingly die a horrible death (crucifixion) so he could take away our sins and bridge the gap between the infinite God and the finite man. He came to declare victory over the grave when He was raised up again 3 days after His death (paraphrased.)

I have to say though, reading the prophecy found in Isaiah 61 blessed my heart so much as it revealed more of the character of Jesus and expounds on WHY he came. Jesus came to…

• Proclaim the good news to the poor
• Bind up the broken-hearted
• Proclaim freedom for the captives (emphasis mine)
• Release prisoners from darkness
• Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God
• Comfort those who mourn
• Provide for those who grieve
• Bestow on his children a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

On Christmas we celebrated a baby who entered the world and fulfilled prophesies written 700… 1200…. 4,000 years before His birth. In this season of your life, are you mourning? Are you grieving? Are you feeling poor in spirit, broken-hearted, in captivity, like a prisoner, in darkness, or in despair? This baby was born 2,018 years ago to help you today. What an amazing thing to wrap your mind around. His love is immeasurable, and He’s reaching his hand to you, so grab hold and let Him lead. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Written by Erin Culleny. Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new makeup, buying dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 John, 3 John| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you.” – Franklin Graham

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Galatians 5:5