BIBLICAL BASIS
When Jesus revealed His ministry among the people of His hometown, Nazareth, He stood up before His neighbors and read from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:16-21). The passage He read is found in Isaiah 61. This reading was Jesus’ pronouncement of His ministry on earth. He spoke the words written by Isaiah, then He sat down and said, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Later, after His resurrection, the Lord commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and continue His mission (Matthew 28:16-20).
When we read Isaiah 61, we see God’s vision of ministry to people oppressed and held captive by sin. We see His fulfillment of that vision in the example Jesus lived for us through the gospel accounts. Therefore, the ministry of Nikao Center sprouts from the redemptive message of Isaiah 61. We see victory fulfilled in Jesus Christ and lived out among our neighbors right here in Brookings, South Dakota.
Nikaō (νικάω) originates from the Greek word for victory. In the NIV, the word is translated most frequently as prevail and overcome, directly linked to Christ’s work in our lives. The apostle Paul wrote that in Christ, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). This “more than” victory is nuanced in Isaiah 61. Here, the prophet speaks of being sent by God to “bind up the brokenhearted,” declare freedom for captives, release prisoners from darkness, and proclaim the Lord’s favor and justice for His oppressed people.
Isaiah says those who grieve will receive a crown instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair. The poor, brokenhearted, and oppressed will be renewed thereby displaying the splendor of the Lord. Those who have suffered shame and disgrace will receive not just a share of restoration, but a double portion, rejoicing in the riches of Sovereign God. Not only can broken people be made new... we can lead other broken people to the feet of Jesus, where they can be made new as well. This is Christ victorious--in us and through us.
This is the vision God has given us. This is our ministry. This is Nikao Center.
When we read Isaiah 61, we see God’s vision of ministry to people oppressed and held captive by sin. We see His fulfillment of that vision in the example Jesus lived for us through the gospel accounts. Therefore, the ministry of Nikao Center sprouts from the redemptive message of Isaiah 61. We see victory fulfilled in Jesus Christ and lived out among our neighbors right here in Brookings, South Dakota.
Nikaō (νικάω) originates from the Greek word for victory. In the NIV, the word is translated most frequently as prevail and overcome, directly linked to Christ’s work in our lives. The apostle Paul wrote that in Christ, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). This “more than” victory is nuanced in Isaiah 61. Here, the prophet speaks of being sent by God to “bind up the brokenhearted,” declare freedom for captives, release prisoners from darkness, and proclaim the Lord’s favor and justice for His oppressed people.
Isaiah says those who grieve will receive a crown instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair. The poor, brokenhearted, and oppressed will be renewed thereby displaying the splendor of the Lord. Those who have suffered shame and disgrace will receive not just a share of restoration, but a double portion, rejoicing in the riches of Sovereign God. Not only can broken people be made new... we can lead other broken people to the feet of Jesus, where they can be made new as well. This is Christ victorious--in us and through us.
This is the vision God has given us. This is our ministry. This is Nikao Center.
