At the beginning of his ministry Jesus quotes from Isaiah to describe his ministry. “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18, NIV). The poor no longer need to despair about their condition because Jesus brings the good news that they will be greatly blessed (Matt. 5:3). Those who are oppressed or imprisoned by their circumstances will now be free. Those who are blind will now see. Thus, Jesus will reverse the effects of the Fall and start restoring everything to the goodness and harmony of God. This is the coming of the kingdom of God; Jesus inaugurated it when he came and will complete it after he returns. God will restore those who suffer.
This means that everyone who is disadvantaged or living on the margins now has a greater hope than the wealthy and the powerful. If they trust Jesus they can be citizens of God’s eternal community of love and they will be fruitful forever! No amount of money or power can obtain such a destiny. Imagine how much a billionaire would pay for such a privilege. If you suffer, remember that God will restore those who suffer. You have this simply because of your faith in Christ.
Do you have a circumstance that feels like a great handicap? Do you look forward to when God will remove it and restore you completely? Maybe he will remove it in this life or maybe the next, but either way he can put peace and joy in your heart now, knowing that he is working through all your circumstances and God will restore those who suffer.
