February 16
"Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because 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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.'" -Luke 4:16-19 (NIV)
In a world of bad news it is wonderful to know there is still Good News available. Luke tells us that after his temptation and wilderness experience Jesus went to his hometown synagogue "as usual." It is there in his hometown that Jesus declared his mission and purpose to bring healing, freedom, and Good News to an oppressed world. Jesus boldly announced, "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!" Jesus was proclaiming himself as the one who would bring this Good News to pass, but he did it in a way that people were not yet able to grasp. Even Jesus himself was not accepted as a prophet in his hometown. Some still have similar attitudes to the familiar around them and fail to see God working in the nearby. Many seek God in the exotic or far way and often miss the miracles and provision of God nearby. This is sad because our moment of divine visitation may have passed by and not return!
Don't be surprised if your Christian faith isn't easily understood or accepted by those who know you best. Since they know your background and failures, they may not see past those to the new person you have become. Let God work in your life, pray for those who reject your faith, and be patient. Even though Jesus was God's perfect Son and his local synagogue probably was small and simple, Jesus still attended services there every week. His example is an inspiring one for us. Are you making regular worship in your community a consistent part of your life? If so, God can mold you, make you strong, and use you for his purposes in awesome ways!
Prayer: Christ Thank you for Good News in my life! Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Good News liberates. Fear intimidates.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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