Friday, January 30

Luke 4:31-37

It's the first recorded miracle of Luke's gospel. It's the symbol of the Kingdom of God breaking into this worldly realm showing God's power over the dark forces of evil. It demonstrates at least in part the fulfillment of what Jesus proclaimed in the synagogue of Nazareth in Luke 4:18-19. This was certainly "release for the oppressed."

When Jesus read from the Isaiah text he stirred the recollection of what was to be the year of Jubilee in the Old Testament. That was the celebration that was to come around every 50 years, where property would revert to it's original owners, & slaves would be set free along with the great blessing of God. Though the festival may have been observed, the actions never took place.

Now Jesus is demonstrating the coming Kingdom's power to bring "Jubilee" into the lives of those in desperate need as a reality.

I wonder what that means for me? Jesus once said to his disciples "greater things that I do, you will do." What would it look like for me to be an active agent of "Jubilee" by the power of the Holy Spirit? (Remember, Luke is clear, not much Kingdom work is going to get done without divine power.)

When and how can my life be "good news" to the poor, healing for the blind, release for the captives, and liberty for the oppressed?

Any suggestions? How do you go about it?

Blessings,
Pastor Ken