God's Favor

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. The “Spirit” (the Holy Spirit) of the LORD (the Father) is upon “me” ( the Son). This is the Word made flesh (John 1) to fulfill his prophetic as he read to the synagogue congregation in Nazareth. Jesus, the Living Word, teaches God fulfills his prophecies. In the triune God’s favor, which is his grace, love, mercy and forgiveness, the Son comes in the Father’s will anointed with the Spirit’s power to minister God’s salvation from sin’s bondage. Isaiah spoke of God’s coming favor. God’s favor became flesh – a living, teaching, righteous man. Jesus was born. Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus ascended. Jesus sent the Spirit. God’s favor is the gospel.
   This is why it is now possible for such “born-again” teachings as Paul wrote: Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them 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.
   Jesus is God’s Favor. Through your repentance of sins and confession of Christ, you become God’s favored inheritance. How glorious is the Lord’s Favor. Praise the Lord.
 
Prayer: We gratefully receive your Favor, Lord. His name is Jesus. We confess he has fulfilled Scripture’s salvation promise. Amen.