Day 21 (2 September): The Proclamation (II)

Morning Meditation: Psalm 104

Passage: Isaiah 61:1-11

There is a second proclamation that was made over our church from Isaiah 61:1-11. Interestingly, the similar passage was proclaimed by Jesus in the New Testament in Luke 4. However, Jesus stopped short after declaring the ‘year of the LORD’s favour’ and did not go on to announce ‘the year of vengeance’.

Why was that so? Jesus’ coming was to declare the year of God’s favour. His coming also covered the vengeance of God over our manifold sins. Therefore, in Christ, there is no longer any vengeance of God, because Christ has borne the full vengeance of God on the cross of Calvary.

Therefore, as His church, we are called:

1. To Preach (v. 1) – We are called to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to whoever we meet. We are to declare freedom and healing to the land.
2. To Provide (v. 3) – We are asked to provide comfort and proclaim gladness by reaching out to those in pain and grief. We are called to serve the community.
3. To Plant (v. 3) – We are called to be God’s planting as oaks (not mushrooms) because God wants us to have a lasting impact. We exist to display God’s splendour.

What then is our task? (v. 4)

1. Rebuild the ancient ruins – DUMC is into the rebuilding of lives. At the Dream Centre, we believe that it will be a place ‘Where Dreams Come Alive’, ‘Where Shattered Dreams Can Live Again’ and ‘Where Destinies are Realised’.
2. Restore places long devastated – We are to restore all that the enemy has stolen in our lives and our land. No longer will the evil one lay waste to God’s inheritance for His people.
3. Renew – Bring renewal of mind and heart to all, based on God’s Word.

Therefore, what is our role? (v. 6)

1. Priests – We are called to be intermediaries, to bring people into God’s kingdom and also to bring God to people.
2. Ministers – We are to be servants. Ministers are the true servants of God.

What is our portion?

1. Plunder – We will reap the double portion, and unending joy and celebration will be our inheritance as we feed on the wealth of the nations. (v. 6)
2. Renown – DUMC will be known around the world. (v. 9)
3. Recognition – All who see us will acknowledge that we are a people whom the LORD has blessed (v. 9)

Point of Reflection:

The journey of the 21 Day Fast and Prayer has ended but the journey on as God’s Church begins on this day when we enter into the Dream Centre for our inaugural Worship Celebration today!

Let us take heed of everything that God has spoken to us in the past 21 days, and as a church, may we be everything that God intends us to be.

It is time to make our Father in heaven proud of His children here on earth!

Hallelujah! All glory to God!