When Jesus read Isaiah 61* He said that the words were filled up (fulfilled) in Him. He applied the text to Himself declaring that "the spirit of the Lord YHWH has anointed" Him:
1. to bring good news to the poor/afflicted;
2. to wrap up/heal the hearts which are wrecked/broken in pieces;
3. to proclaim freedom/release to those imprisoned/in bondage;
4. to proclaim the year of favor, comfort and provision to those who mourn...
Biblical salvation is a large concept, and it includes forgiveness, rescue, reconciliation, redemption, healing, transformation, victory, and abundance. It impacts our body and soul, our relationships and communities. Poverty, brokenness, imprisonment and sadness are at odds with God's kingdom. They are the ruins of creation. However, like the Jews we must rebuild, raise up and repair the world. Redemption is God's gift, but it includes our faithful work as well.
The Spirit in Jesus is in us! We are being saved by the Spirit, but we are also being consecrated and sent in Jesus' name to bring the same Good News to others. Unlike John the Baptist, we cannot simply declare, "I am not the Messiah," because we are the Messiah's body here and now. He lives in us. Like Jesus, we are to make these words of Isaiah a reality for others. We are the Lord's instruments of justice, fairness and peace. In His Kingdom, politics is holy because it is a self emptying focus on the need of others.
1Thessalonians 4:3, 5 says "the will of God is your sanctification...not in the forbidden passions." Once more we are reminded to do battle with the passions as we pursue relationship with God. The Holy Spirit unites us with Jesus (Theosis) producing personal holiness and selfless service I us corporately and individually. In Thessalonians 5 Paul exhorts the church to be a community--in peace, encouragement and goodness. "Rejoice always, praying without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." Do you want to be holy? Do you seek gratitude and joy? What will be your constant prayer?
Isaiah also declares, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall rejoice in my God." Mary says, "My heart magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
You are anointed by the Holy Spirit. You have been sent to proclaim hope, to free people, to heal their broken hearts and tell them God is gracious. This Holy Spirit makes you holy, here and now, so rejoice and be thankful. This is the true meaning of Christmas--God becoming human in each of us (theosis).
*Luke 4:21
1. to bring good news to the poor/afflicted;
2. to wrap up/heal the hearts which are wrecked/broken in pieces;
3. to proclaim freedom/release to those imprisoned/in bondage;
4. to proclaim the year of favor, comfort and provision to those who mourn...
Biblical salvation is a large concept, and it includes forgiveness, rescue, reconciliation, redemption, healing, transformation, victory, and abundance. It impacts our body and soul, our relationships and communities. Poverty, brokenness, imprisonment and sadness are at odds with God's kingdom. They are the ruins of creation. However, like the Jews we must rebuild, raise up and repair the world. Redemption is God's gift, but it includes our faithful work as well.
The Spirit in Jesus is in us! We are being saved by the Spirit, but we are also being consecrated and sent in Jesus' name to bring the same Good News to others. Unlike John the Baptist, we cannot simply declare, "I am not the Messiah," because we are the Messiah's body here and now. He lives in us. Like Jesus, we are to make these words of Isaiah a reality for others. We are the Lord's instruments of justice, fairness and peace. In His Kingdom, politics is holy because it is a self emptying focus on the need of others.
1Thessalonians 4:3, 5 says "the will of God is your sanctification...not in the forbidden passions." Once more we are reminded to do battle with the passions as we pursue relationship with God. The Holy Spirit unites us with Jesus (Theosis) producing personal holiness and selfless service I us corporately and individually. In Thessalonians 5 Paul exhorts the church to be a community--in peace, encouragement and goodness. "Rejoice always, praying without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." Do you want to be holy? Do you seek gratitude and joy? What will be your constant prayer?
Isaiah also declares, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall rejoice in my God." Mary says, "My heart magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
You are anointed by the Holy Spirit. You have been sent to proclaim hope, to free people, to heal their broken hearts and tell them God is gracious. This Holy Spirit makes you holy, here and now, so rejoice and be thankful. This is the true meaning of Christmas--God becoming human in each of us (theosis).
*Luke 4:21
No comments:
Post a Comment