Brother Sparks discusses Isaiah chapter 61, emphasizing the anointing of the Lord upon Jesus, which empowers Him to bring good news, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty. This anointing is not only for Christ but also extends to His followers, symbolizing the Church's role in fulfilling God's promises. The chapter highlights the transformation from bondage to freedom, particularly for the people of Israel, who were in exile. Brother Sparks connects this prophecy to the New Testament, particularly the letter to the Galatians, where Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of Christianity, contrasting it with legalism. He argues that true Christianity is a life in the Spirit, not bound by rituals or laws. The Holy Spirit, received through faith, empowers believers to live righteously, fulfilling the principles of God's law through love and truth. Brother Sparks warns against the extremes of legalism and lawlessness, asserting that true freedom comes from being governed by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he stresses that the essence of Christianity lies in the transformative power of the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live as sons of God.
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. 7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. 8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.