September 26 Anointed

Luke 4:18-19 “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.”
 
For some 400 lessons over the past 16 months, we have examined Luke’s effort to his friend Theophilus “to write an orderly account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” (Luke 1:1-2) Has this study of God’s Word given you a more orderly account of Jesus’ gospel? Has Luke stirred you, perhaps, to be a more urgent disciple to witness the good news?
    One passage I’ve raised up periodically is Luke 4:18-19. This is a key statement from Jesus to define God’s will for the gospel. Also, these words are Jesus’ proclamation he has come to fulfill the prophetic Word from Isaiah 61:1-3. God had promised the Jews that one anointed in the Spirit’s power would come to free them from sin’s imprisoning darkness. Jesus declared he fulfilled that prophecy.
    I believe this passage can be a purpose statement for all of you, Jesus’ disciples. The Great Commander has given us the Great Commission to make disciples. How can this happen unless we are determined to speak the gospel into people’s lives?
    I pray the Spirit has anointed you to love, to live and to proclaim Jesus’ gospel. I hope you will help those who are blind to the Lord see him one day. How joyful you would be to know that your voice speaking God’s love, grace and truth into someone’s heart has become God’s means to save that person.
    Discipleship is a great and high calling to be used for God’s eternal purpose. Are you Jesus’ disciple? Then you are privileged to receive it. Be eager to share it.
    Remember Jesus’ words of freedom and favor. Worship him. Praise him. Live in joy that he has chosen to remove sin’s imprisoning darkness from your heart, so you see him as your Lord and Savior.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you came to preach the good news. I pray for the Spirit’s anointing to tell this good news. Amen.