A Day of New Beginnings
Scripture – Luke 4:17-19: 17The 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, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Reflection: At this point everything fits with the custom of the day. Jesus has come back to His home synagogue/church. He’s asked to be the speaker of the day. Taking the scroll, He found a specific passage to read. What passage would you choose if you were asked to read and reflect on some scripture?
As Jesus read the words from Isaiah, I wonder how He sounded. Did he emphasize certain words more than others? Try reading verses 18 and 19 out loud. How is the meaning or interpretation affected by different inflections you can use?
However Jesus read those words, they seem to announce a new beginning. I find that very fitting on this day when Barak Obama is scheduled to become our next president here in the United States. There’s no question he embodies the hopes and dreams of many people on many different levels. It truly is a new day and a new beginning for our country.
At the same time, I’ll keep reminding myself he’s a man, not a savior. I’ll pray for him as he takes on this most challenging position. I’ll pray that he stays open to the leading of Christ in his life and safe from the temptation of power and acclaim.
May this become “the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Reflection: At this point everything fits with the custom of the day. Jesus has come back to His home synagogue/church. He’s asked to be the speaker of the day. Taking the scroll, He found a specific passage to read. What passage would you choose if you were asked to read and reflect on some scripture?
As Jesus read the words from Isaiah, I wonder how He sounded. Did he emphasize certain words more than others? Try reading verses 18 and 19 out loud. How is the meaning or interpretation affected by different inflections you can use?
However Jesus read those words, they seem to announce a new beginning. I find that very fitting on this day when Barak Obama is scheduled to become our next president here in the United States. There’s no question he embodies the hopes and dreams of many people on many different levels. It truly is a new day and a new beginning for our country.
At the same time, I’ll keep reminding myself he’s a man, not a savior. I’ll pray for him as he takes on this most challenging position. I’ll pray that he stays open to the leading of Christ in his life and safe from the temptation of power and acclaim.
May this become “the year of the Lord’s favor.”
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