JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Luke 4:18 and 19.

Jesus read from the scroll in the synagogue:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus was quoting from the prophet Isaiah to describe the power of His mission to change people’s lives.

His ministry was delivering good news, providing freedom and healing, and bringing salvation to people in need of God’s grace.

The Ministry of Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on what happens in the Year of the Lord’s favor

Isaiah 61 contains words that would eventually be fulfilled by Jesus. The Spirit of the 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, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.

When Jesus came to earth, He fulfilled these words. This is where Jesus stopped when He read the scroll from Isaiah. During His earthly ministry, we learn that Jesus healed the sick, encouraged the brokenhearted, and preached the Gospel. He drew crowds with His miracles, and gained enemies by claiming to be God’s Anointed One. In the favor of the LORD, we find the light of hope, the source of healing, and the freedom of forgiveness.

The favor of the LORD is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com