Today’s Scripture:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,because the Lord has chosen[a] me.[b]He has commissioned[c] me to encourage[d] the poor,to help[e] the brokenhearted,to decree the release of captives,and the freeing of prisoners,2 to announce the year when the Lord will show his favor,the day when our God will seek vengeance,[f]to console all who mourn,3 to strengthen those who mourn in Zion,by giving them a turban, instead of ashes,oil symbolizing joy,[g] instead of mourning,a garment symbolizing praise,[h] instead of discouragement.[i]They will be called oaks of righteousness,[j]trees planted by the Lord to reveal his splendor.[k]4 They will rebuild the perpetual ruinsand restore the places that were desolate;[l]they will reestablish the ruined cities,the places that have been desolate since ancient times.5 [m] “Foreigners will take care of[n] your sheep;foreigners will work in your fields and vineyards.6 You will be called, ‘the Lord’s priests,servants of our God.’[o]You will enjoy[p] the wealth of nationsand boast about[q] the riches you receive from them.[r]7 Instead of shame, you will get a double portion;[s]instead of humiliation, they will rejoice over the land they receive.[t]Yes,[u] they will possess a double portion in their landand experience lasting joy.8 For I, the Lord, love justiceand hate robbery and sin.I will repay them because of my faithfulness;[v]I will make a permanent covenant with them.9 Their descendants will be known among the nations,their offspring among the peoples.All who see them will recognize thatthe Lord has blessed them.”[w]10 I[