September 21, 2015: SOAP #2118:

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 4: 18 “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.”

Observation:  Jesus has now set the stage for understanding His ministry. From now on they would witness the Power of the Holy Spirit working through Jesus. The remainder of the book of Luke can be understood in these terms.

Application: As Jesus has sent us into the world to be a continuation of His ministry, we too must rely on the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit. Some things in our lives should only be able to be understood in the light of the Holy Spirit’s Presence.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, as Jesus relied on you for His ministry, I too rely on you. And as you found Jesus to be an open channel through whom you could flow, I want to be an open channel for your ministry today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!