Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Tuesday, January 29, 2013 Read – Isaiah 61 This is the chapter that Luke tells us Jesus selected to read in the synagogue at Nazareth on the day when his ministry was to begin. Once again the vision is of a new day when God will enact a deliverance far outshining any deliverance experienced by anyone. Once again all the nations will be included in this vision – though in Isaiah’s mind the people of Judah are favored. Perhaps it is helpful for us to remember our discussion of the promise made to Abraham. There the people of God are chosen too. But what does it mean to be chosen? In the promise to Abraham to be chosen is to be a blessing to all the others. Here too, being chosen, even given the favored position does not mean at the expense of others but on behalf of others. Luke knows this reality too. In his story of Simeon Luke will have Simeon tell us, “my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Once again, the declaration in Luke is clear – Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the one who Isaiah so hoped would come. When Jesus says, “Today, this word is fulfilled in your hearing,” Jesus is claiming that what Isaiah hoped for is becoming reality in the words and actions of Jesus.