January 4, 2017: SOAP #2589:  Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 4:17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 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:   With this verse from Isaiah, Jesus proclaims the basis for his ministry.  Jesus was not ministering from His own standing as God the Son, but from the presence, leading, and power for the Holy Spirit working through Him as the Son of Man.  Luke continues this priority as he writes of the ministry of the church in the book of Acts.  The miracles recorded in the book of Acts can be understood as the church continued in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Application:   Jesus set the example of relying on the Holy Spirit.  The early church followed His example.  Now it is for me to follow His example in relying on the Holy Spirit in my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, let Isaiah’s prophecy be fulfilled in the church today—in my life!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!