God's Favor on You

Isaiah 61:1-2a The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.
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Luke 4:18-20 (Jesus said) “The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
 
HERE is the Holy Trinity. Isaiah prophesied. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy. From Luke we hear Jesus speak Isaiah’s prophecy to the synagogue congregation in Nazareth. The Trinity’s Favor was upon Jesus. That means Jesus came in God’s grace to exhibit God’s love. In his tender mercies Jesus preached freedom for a world captive to sin through his forgiveness of sins. In his glorious sacrifice Jesus made the way for you to escape sin’s oppression forever. What joy you can celebrate at Christmas and each day of your redeemed life. The Spirit’s Favor has awakened you to know the Son came in the Father’s will. Through the Spirit’s power your confession of sin frees you from sin’s dark bondage. This is the gospel.
   Paul emphasizes the gospel’s transforming power in Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among the disobedient at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.
   Grace is God’s Favor. With a servant’s heart, hands and feet, God has come in the flesh to become your risen Savior. The Spirit has come in power to awaken your soul from death and release you from hell’s prison into eternal life. How glorious is the Lord’s Favor! Praise the Lord.  
 
Prayer: I receive your Favor, Lord. His name is Jesus. I confess he has fulfilled Scripture’s salvation promise. Amen.