He Has Sent Me

March 23, 2008 | Filed Under scripture |

One of the passages to consider when highlighting the missionary/sending nature of God in the Old Testament is Isaiah 61. In the Hebrew, the phrase “he has sent me“ is the main verb controlling each of the redemptive deeds that follow. Unlike most English translations, the CEV and NEB have arranged the words to emphasize this fact.

The Spirit of the LORD God has taken control of me! The LORD has chosen and sent me

to tell the oppressed the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to announce freedom for prisoners and captives.

This is the year when the LORD God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The LORD has sent me to comfort those who mourn, especially in Jerusalem.

He sent me

to give them flowers in place of their sorrow,
to give olive oil in place of tears,
(to give) joyous praise in place of broken hearts.

– Isaiah 61:1-3 (Contemporary English Version)