God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 7

 Day 7 Luke Chapter 7

 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little” (v.47 NASB).

The contrast, too stark to ignore. A Pharisee and a pariah. The Pharisee is self-righteous, and the woman is self-loathing. She recognizes her sins and grasps her need for cleansing and forgiveness. The Pharisee only acknowledges that he is much more righteous than she. Indeed, if Jesus truly was a prophet, He would not let this woman touch Him. The lesson that Jesus teaches in this passage is that it is not our outward pretensions, but the inner motives of our heart that matters to Him. He loved both the woman and the Pharisee very much; only one displayed love for Him. Those who have been forgiven much love much. 

“In Jesus’ day, it was customary to show guests respect and wash their feet. Simon merely brought Him home to interrogate Him. This woman—this harlot, loved Jesus so much, and she knew He alone could deliver her from the prison she was in. She swallowed all pride, humbled herself before the prominent crowd of important religious leaders, and surrendered to Him. Simon did nothing for Him…  Are we as willing as she to push through every barrier in our way, surrender our sins and lives to Jesus, pouring the fragrance of worship upon Him?... Jesus…such love, such mercy, never condoning sin, yet never condemning those in bondage to it—but setting them free to sin no more. 

Because of her act of worship, her life sings a glorious tune. One that sings redemption’s song, calling others in bondage to sin to come to the feet of Jesus to be forgiven and restored.”[1]

This is what Advent is about. That silent night, in a stable in Bethlehem, the Son of God came to redeem the lost—those captives to sin. Each and every one of us needs this redemption. Will we acknowledge our fallenness, realize how much He has given us, and love Him much in return?

The Master is at Simon’s house I overheard them say

My heart leaped within me I must get to Him someway

All I have to my name is this alabaster vile

Do I dare to touch Him surely, I will defile

 

I hear their growls and feel their scorn; they fill me with such fear

Their faces though are hidden through my many, many tears

I wipe my eyes and look for Him; He’s reclining at the table

I’ve got to make it to Him I don’t know that I am able

 

I cannot stop my heart it is beating so very fast

But as His eyes catch mine all things are in my past

I see such love and grace flowing from His eyes

Like a breath of fresh air, they are but my demise

 

I fall down helpless and pour this perfume on His feet

The fragrance fills the room the aroma is so sweet

But nothing seems worthy to pour upon these precious feet

What Grace He has given me all my sins forgiven

I have never had such grace from the Sanhedrin

So much love from Him I cannot pull myself apart

I cling to Him for my very life I have given Him my heart

I hear His voice; the sound is so peaceful and forgiving

I will get up from here and change how I am living

© 2007 Piper Green

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[1] Piper Green, A Life That Sings: Finding Your Song In The Midst Of Brokenness (Bloomington: Westbow Press., 2014), 132-33. (revised)

Sabbath Sanctuary God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 6

Day 6 Luke Chapter 6

“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (v. 12 NASB).

There are so many wonderful things in Luke’s sixth chapter on which to write: the beatitudes, healing a leper on the sabbath, and foundations built on the rock. This theme of prayer, however, arrests me once again. Two chapters in succession make the effort to note Jesus’ prayer life. Scripture once again exhorts us with Jesus, the Son of God, as our teacher on the importance of prayer. 

Prayer should not be some rote, liturgical recitation; though there is nothing wrong with liturgical prayer, I have found some of the richest prose in prayers of liturgy. Prayer, though, is meant to be so much more. E.M. Bounds’ words on true prayer are enlightening:

“Prayer as a mere habit, a performance, or a routine, is a dead and rotten thing. True praying engages and sets on fire every high element of the Christian’s being. Prayer is born out of vital oneness with Christ in the fullness of the Holy Ghost. It springs from the deep, overflowing fountains of tender compassion and concern for humanity’s eternal good. True prayer is a consuming zeal for the glory of God; it involves a thorough conviction of the difficult and delicate work of the ministry and the imperative need of God’s help. Praying grounded on these solemn and profound convictions is the only true praying. And only ministry backed by such praying sows the seeds of eternal life in human hearts and builds others up for heaven. Ministry today may be popular, pleasant, attractive, intellectual, intriguing, and successful with little or no prayer. But the ministry which accomplishes God’s purposes must be born of prayer from beginning to end.”[1]

Bounds’ words on prayer are indeed eloquent and true, but as many have learned, prayer does not always feel like this. Many times, it is rote and awkward, but we should seek it nonetheless. Prayer is vital in our communication with God, even when it seems just too hard to find the words to speak before the Creator of the universe. 

Jesus spent the whole night in prayer. The Scripture says that at daybreak, He chose His twelve disciples. The decision was not made lightly; it was made in all-night prayer. Though He spent that night cloaked in prayer, one of the disciples He chose became a traitor. This illustrates that even betrayers may be allowed in your life to sharpen you, to drive you to your knees—or to a cross.

While on earth, He prayed all night; now He prays eternally in heaven on your behalf:

“In the days of His humanity, He offered up both prayers and pleas with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His devout behavior” {Heb. 5:7 NASB}.

“Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” {Heb. 7:25 NASB}.

In the Tabernacle and the Temple, the Altar of Incense is a type for prayer and intercession. When the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, he placed incense on the altar on behalf of the nation. Jesus, our beloved Savior, our blessed High Priest, offers prayers for us to the Father. 

This Advent season may not be a joyful occasion for many. The holidays can be a dark, lonely time for more people than we care to acknowledge. Let this time of rush and busyness and losing our breath in the day-to-day hustle of preparing for the holidays not give precedence to slowing down, taking a breath, and praying so that we, instead, prepare for Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] Penelope J. Stokes, ed., E.M. Bounds: Power Through Prayer (Minneapolis: World Wide Publications, 1989), 40-41.

 

Sabbath Sanctuary God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 5

 Day 5 Luke Chapter 5

“But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Luke 5:15-16 NASB).

Jesus was busy. He came to serve and help the hurting. People were sick, hurting, and hopeless. The crowds thronged Him. He was going about the Kingdom’s work, doing only what He saw the Father doing.

“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be amazed’” {Jn. 5:19 NASB}.

 The news spread quickly about His ministry, and people came from the surrounding towns and villages to receive their healing. The people were constantly surrounding Him and putting demands on Him. Though there was much work to be done, Scripture notes that Jesus often slipped away from the madness, the crowds, and the busyness to pray. The Incarnate Son of God needed to take a break from all the good He was doing to pray and seek the Father for strength and encouragment.

Let’s remember to stop and pray during this Advent season. We may be doing great things for the Kingdom—leading the choir, practicing for the Christmas play, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor—we must learn to pause in the midst of the busyness of the season to stop and pray. That is the only way we will experience the peace Christ promises. Scripture takes the time to note Jesus’ habit of praying. If He needed to pray in the quiet before the Lord, then so do we. 

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God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 4

 Day 4 Luke Chapter 4

 The manuscript of the prophet Isaiah is one of my favorite Old Testament books. Much of it is dedicated to the coming Messiah, who will redeem God’s people. Chapter 61 begins with the Exaltation of the Afflicted. Jesus, the Word, appears in the synagogue at Nazareth to read this passage from Isaiah.   

This was not a coincidence for this particular passage to be the reading of the day. The synagogue tradition was to have seven readers each sabbath to read portions of the Scripture. The first orator was the priest, the second a Levite, and the following five were Israelites from the congregation. Though many times in Scripture we read of Jesus visiting synagogues, the one in Nazareth was the first to mention that He taught there; hence, this was the passage to be read that day, and the lot fell to Him.

He reads this Messianic passage from the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah the prophet:   

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord… today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4 18-19,20).

 

                                                           Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

Jesus came in the Spirit of the Lord. All the grace and giftings of the Holy Spirit were bestowed on Him in full (Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary). Prophets before Jesus had the Holy Spirit in measure and for appointed times and events. Jesus was commissioned by the Spirit of the Lord to preach this Word in what seems to be the chronos—the liturgy of the regular sabbath reading—but this was a kairos moment, the right time for Christ to appear. The New Testament Greek Lexicon defines Kairos as a fixed and definite time when the conditions are right for accomplishing a crucial action, the decisive epoch waited for.

 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4: 4-5 ESV emphasis mine).

 Jesus came to set the captives free. He is our priest, prophet, king, deliverer, Savior, and healer. After proclaiming that He, the Messiah, had arrived to set free the captives, He immediately cast out demons and healed the sick, setting the captives free. Though the people of the synagogue attempted to stone Him, He went about doing what He proclaimed He was here for. 

He came to let the world know that the Holy God whom we have offended is willing to be reconciled to us. He came to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord; today, now—is the day of salvation.

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God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 3

 Day 3 Luke Chapter 3

“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Lk. 3: 16 NASB). 

John the Baptist was the voice of one calling in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Isaiah the prophet spoke so prophetically of the coming of the forerunner who would prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah. John heralded that the kingdom of God was at hand and that the Messiah would soon come. John preached repentance to the people so they would be aware of their sin and unworthiness, their fallenness displaying their deep need for the Messiah. They must prepare for the coming of the Messiah by repenting. Though John was baptizing in water, only Christ would lead people to the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit overshadows and brings one into the New Covenant of grace, light, and power to become new creatures in Christ.

John was preaching and bringing the Old Covenant to its fulfillment when Christ, the Messiah, would arrive on the scene—carrying His great power to baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. This could only be done by the Creator of the universe, for John, though a great prophet, was but a man. He indeed baptized them in water and urged them to repent and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. That, however, is the scope of his power. They must now seek the Messiah, the One whose way he was sent to prepare. John readily admits that the Messiah is more excellent than he. John says he is not even worthy to touch the laces of His shoes, yet John was a prophet more so than any of the Old Testament prophets. The One—Christ is still a prophet above John.

John’s baptism in water made people ready by purifying and cleansing themselves, but only Christ can and will baptize them with the Holy Ghost. He will give the Spirit to cleanse and purify the heart. The ultimate fulfillment of the baptizing work of the Spirit was seen at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). Being baptized in the fire of the Holy Ghost is being purified and filled with power to complete the calling of the King for the kingdom.

It is hard on this side of the crèche, that wonderous baby in the manger, to set our minds on waiting for someone who has already arrived. I believe this is one reason why we have lost some of the mystery surrounding the blessed birth. It is imperative to remember that the One is coming again, a time we must still prepare. A time for which we must be ready. Let us prepare for the coming of Christmas, a time to celebrate that because of God’s love, He came and dwelt among us and reconciled us to the Father. All things will culminate in His second coming, and rather than reconciliation, He will present us—the Bride—to the Father. Let’s reflect and rejoice in the unfailing Love of God.

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God Was In Christ: An Advent Reading Of Luke 2

 Day Two Luke Chapter 2

The Incarnation was the greatest event this world has ever seen and one of the greatest mysteries. I will write a post on the theological implications of the incarnation this week or perhaps next, but for now, I want to focus on the verse that grabbed my attention as I read Luke’s second chapter today:

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:10-11 NASB). 

There is that word again—JOY. The arrival of the Christ child was indeed a joyful occasion. The arrival is good news that brings great joy for all mankind. The angels believed it to be joyous even though they could not grasp or understand salvation. They received no salvific benefit. Christ left heaven to come to earth; they understood the magnitude of the event. The prophets sought; the angels desired; humanity benefited.

“As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look” (1Pet. 1: 10-12 NASB).

Contemplate the coming of God in Jesus, who is not half-human and half-divine, rather, He is Theanthropos, the God-man, and how He chose to love and reconcile us rather than leave us fallen and alone. Let us not take for granted the birth of Christ. The prophets searched for the day—the time—when He would come, and the very angels of God desired to see this great mystery. The prophets only glimpsed what this wonderful incarnation would mean to the world. The Word says they understood they were serving us when they prophesied His coming. Then, finally, what the prophets longed for came about: 

 “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son” (Gal. 4:4a).

Though this great event took place over two thousand years ago, we can look with great anticipation at the coming of Christmas—the arrival of Christ—with the same amazement and wonder. 

“Who is the baby called by angels, ‘Christ the Lord,’ and why should we, like the shepherds of Bethlehem and the Wise Men, seek Him and adore Him? The answer goes back to the very beginning of the world…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (Jn. 1:1-3 NIV).[1]

[1] Bodie and Brock Thoene, Why A Manger? (Vista, California: (Outreach, 2006). 4-5.

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The Gospel of Luke: An Advent Reading

~Repost 

Day One Luke Chapter 1

The first chapter of Luke is a long one but so…magnificant. There are many great theological topics in these eighty verses, but The Magnificat is one of the most beautiful stanzas proclaiming the Majesty of the Lord. 

“And Mary said: ‘My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever’” (Luke 1: 46-55 NASB).

I love it so much because praise is imperative in the walk of faith. It is how we are to come before the Lord; Psalm 100 teaches us that we must come before the Lord in praise and thanksgiving:

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name” (Ps. 100:4 NASB).

Mary’s song of praise is a testament to her faith in God—and to God’s faithfulness. Upon hearing Elizabeth’s greeting and that Elizabeth’s baby is filled with the Holy Spirit and leaping in her womb at Mary’s presence, it confirmed for both women the faithfulness of God to fulfill His Word.

We see echoed in Mary’s song Hannah’s song of praise in the Old Testament when she gave birth to Samuel:

Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving

“My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the Lord is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes. The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He set the world on them. He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail. Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; And He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed.” 1 Samuel 2: 1-10 NASB

“Hannah…remained gracious in her sorrow, interceded in the midst of trial and witnessed God move on her behalf. She was thankful to the Lord for His mercy and love towards her, as seen in her beautiful, poetic song, the words of which are echoed in the prayer of Mary— the Magnificat— hundreds of years later.”[1]

Mary too, declares the goodness of God to fulfill His promise to redeem Israel and the world.
Advent is a time to be thankful to the Lord who loved fallen humanity enough to condescend upon us and reconcile us to the Father.

Mary’s song came after a long stretch of darkness—where the Word of the Lord had ceased for over four-hundred years—to be the light to dispel that darkness.

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jn. 1:4-5 NASB).

Read the prophecies concerning Christ's coming and how He fulfilled them here 🚼

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Advent: Seeking Christ Day 7

Day 7 Luke Chapter 7

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little” (v.47 NASB).

The contrast to stark to ignore. A Pharisee and a harlot. The Pharisee is self-righteous, the harlot is self-loathing. She recognizes her sins and grasps her need for cleansing and forgiveness. The Pharisee only recognized that he is much more righteous than she. Surely, if Jesus truly was a prophet, He would not let this woman touch Him. The lesson that Jesus teaches in this passage is that it is not our outward pretentions, but the inner motives of our heart that matters to Him. He loved both very much; only one displayed her love for Him. Those who have been forgiven much loves much.

“In Jesus’ day, it was customary to show respect to a guest, to wash their feet. Simon merely brought Him home to interrogate Him. This woman—this harlot, loved Jesus so much, and she knew He alone could deliver her from the prison she was in. She swallowed all pride, humbled herself in front of the prominent crowd of important religious leaders, and surrendered to Him. Simon did nothing for Him… Do we want to have an intellectual, religious acquaintance with Jesus, or do we want more? Are we willing to push through every barrier that is in our way, surrender our sin and our lives to Jesus, pouring the fragrance of worship upon Him?... Jesus…such love, such mercy, never condoning sin, yet never condemning those in bondage to it—but setting them free to sin no more. Because of her act of worship, her life sings a glorious tune. One that sings redemption’s song, calling others in bondage to sin to come to the feet of Jesus to be forgiven and restored.”[1]

This is what Advent is about. That silent night, in a stable in Bethlehem, the Son of God came to redeem the lost—those captives to sin. Each and every one of us needs this redemption. Will we acknowledge our fallenness and realize how much He has given us and love Him much in return?

 The Master is at Simon’s house I overheard them say

My heart leaped within me I must get to Him someway

All I have to my name is this alabaster vile

Do I dare to touch Him surely I will defile

I hear their growls and feel their scorn they fill me with such fear

Their faces though are hidden through my many, many tears

I wipe my eyes and look for Him, He’s reclining at the table

I’ve got to make it to Him I don’t know that I am able

I cannot stop my heart it is beating so very fast

But as His eyes catch mine all things are in my past

I see such love and grace flowing from His eyes

Like a breath of fresh air they are but my demise

I fall down helpless and pour this perfume on His feet

The fragrance has filled the room the aroma is so sweet

But nothing seems worthy to pour upon these precious feet

What Grace He has given me all my sins forgiven

I have never had such grace from the Sanhedrin

So much love from Him I cannot pull myself apart

I cling to Him for my very life I have given Him my heart

I hear His voice the sound is so peaceful and forgiving
I will get up from here and change the way that I am living[2]

© 2007 Piper Green

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[1] Piper Green, A Life That Sings: Finding Your Song In The Midst Of Brokenness (Bloomington: Westbow Press., 2014), 132-33. (revised)

[2] Ibid., 127.

Advent: Seeking Christ Day 6

Day 6 Luke Chapter 6

“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (v. 12 NASB).

There are so many wonderful things in Luke’s sixth chapter on which to write. The beatitudes, healing a leper on the sabbath, builders, and foundations built on the rock. This theme of prayer, however, arrests me once again. Two chapters in succession make the effort to note the prayer life of Jesus. Scripture once again exhorts us with Jesus, the Son of God, as our teacher in the importance of prayer. Prayer should not be some rote, liturgical, recitation, though there is nothing wrong with liturgical prayer, I have found some of the richest prose in prayers of liturgy. Prayer, though, is meant to be so much more. E.M. Bounds’ words on true prayer are enlightening:

“Prayer as a mere habit, a performance, or a routine, is a dead and rotten thing. True praying engages and sets on fire every high element of the Christian’s being. Prayer is born out of vital oneness with Christ in the fullness of the Holy Ghost. It springs from the deep, overflowing fountains of tender compassion and concern for humanity’s eternal good. True prayer is a consuming zeal for the glory of God; it involves a thorough conviction of the difficult and delicate work of the ministry and the imperative need of God’s help. Praying grounded on these solemn and profound convictions is the only true praying. And only ministry backed by such praying sows the seeds of eternal life in human hearts and builds others up for heaven. Ministry today may be popular, pleasant, attractive, intellectual, intriguing, and successful with little or no prayer. But the ministry which accomplishes God’s purposes must be born of prayer from beginning to end.”[1]

Jesus spent the whole night in prayer. The Scripture says that at daybreak He chose His twelve disciples. The decision was not made lightly, it was made in all-night prayer. Though He spent that night cloaked in prayer, one that He chose became a traitor. This illustrates that even betrayers may be allowed in your life to sharpen you; to drive you to your knees. 

This Advent season may not be a joyful occasion for many. The holidays can be a dark, lonely time for more people than we care to acknowledge. Let this time of rush and busyness and losing our breath in the day-to-day hustle of preparing for the holiday, not give precedence to slowing down, taking a breath, and praying so that we instead, prepare for Him.

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[1] Penelope J. Stokes, ed., E.M. Bounds: Power Through Prayer (Minneapolis: World Wide Publications, 1989), 40-41.

Advent: Seeking Christ Day 5

Day 5 Luke Chapter 5

“But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Luke 5:15-16 NASB).

Jesus was busy. He came to help the hurting and the sick and the crowds thronged Him. He was going about the kingdom’s work. The news spread quickly concerning His ministry and people came from the surrounding towns and villages to receive their healing. He was constantly surrounded by crowds of people and the sick. Though there was much work to be done, the Scripture purposes to note that Jesus often slipped away from the madness and the crowds and the busyness to pray. The incarnate Son of God needed to take a break from all the good He was doing to pray and seek the Father.

Let’s remember during this Advent season to stop and pray. We may be doing great things for the kingdom—leading the choir, practicing the Christmas play, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor—we must learn to pause in the midst of the busyness of the season to stop and pray. Scripture takes the time to note this habit of Jesus to pray, if He needed to pray in stillness before the Lord, then so do we.

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Advent: Seeking Christ Day 4

Day 4 Luke Chapter 4

The manuscript of the prophet Isaiah is one of my favorite Old Testament books. Much of it is dedicated to the coming Messiah who will redeem God’s people. Chapter 61 begins with the Exaltation of the Afflicted. Jesus, The Word, appears in the synagogue at Nazareth to read this passage from Isaiah.  

This was not a coincidence for this particular passage to be the reading of the day. The tradition of the synagogue was to have seven readers each sabbath to read portions of the Scripture. The first orator was the priest, the second a Levite, and the following five were Israelites from the congregation. Though many times in Scripture we read of Jesus visiting synagogues, the one in Nazareth was the first one to mention that He taught there, hence, this was the passage to be read that day, and the lot fell to Him.

He reads this Messianic passage from the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah the prophet:   

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord… today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4 18-19,20).

Insert youtube video

Jesus came in the Spirit of the Lord. All the grace and giftings of the Holy Spirit were bestowed on Him in full. Prophets before Jesus had the Holy Spirit in measure and for appointed times and events. Jesus had Him the Spirit in full. Jesus was commissioned by the Spirit of the Lord to preach this Word in what seems to be the Chronos—the liturgy of the regular sabbath reading—but this was a Kairos moment; the right time for Christ to appear. The New Testament Greek Lexicon defines Kairos as a fixed and definite time; a time when the conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action; the decisive epoch waited for.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4: 4-5 ESV emphasis mine).

Jesus came to set the captives free. He is our priest, prophet, and king. He is our deliverer, Savior, healer. After proclaiming that He, the Messiah had arrived to set free the captives, He immediately casts out demons and healed the sick—setting the captives free. Though the people of the synagogue attempted to stone Him, He went about doing what He proclaimed He was here for.

 He came to let the world know that the Holy God whom we have offended is willing to be reconciled to us. He came to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord—that today, now—is the day of salvation.

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Advent: Seeking Christ Day 3

Day 3 Luke Chapter 3

“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Lk. 3: 16 NASB).

John the Baptist was the voice of one calling in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. Isaiah the prophet spoke so prophetically of the coming of the forerunner who would prepare God’s people for the coming of the Messiah. John heralded that the kingdom of God was at hand and that the Messiah would soon come. John preached repentance to the people so they would be aware of their sin and unworthiness; their fallenness displaying their deep need for the Messiah. They must prepare for the coming of the Messiah by repenting. Though John was baptizing in water, only Christ would lead people to the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who overshadows and brings one into the New Covenant of grace, light, and power, to become new creatures in Christ.

John the Baptist was preaching and bringing the Old Covenant to its fulfillment; the time when Christ, the Messiah, would arrive on the scene—carrying with Him His great power to baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. This could only be done by the Creator of the universe for John, though a great prophet, was but a man. He indeed baptized in water and urged them to repent and make themselves ready for the coming of the Messiah. That, however, is the scope of his power. They must now seek the Messiah, the One whose way he was sent to prepare. John readily admits that the Messiah is more excellent than he. John says that he is not even worthy to touch the laces of His shoes, yet John was a prophet more so than any of the Old Testament prophets. The One—Christ is still a prophet above John.

Jesus of Nazareth 1977

John’s baptism in water made people ready through purifying and cleansing themselves, but only Christ can and will baptize with the Holy Ghost. He will give the Spirit to cleanse and purify the heart. The ultimate fulfillment of the baptizing work of the Spirit was seen at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). Being baptized in the fire of the Holy Ghost is being purified and filled with power to complete the calling of the King for the kingdom.

It is hard on this side of the crèche, that wonderous baby in the manger, to set our minds on waiting for someone who has already arrived. I believe that this is one of the reasons why we have lost some of the mystery surrounding the blessed birth. It is imperative to remember that the One is coming again, a time for which we still must prepare. A time for which we must be ready. Let us prepare for the coming of Christmas, a time to celebrate that because of God’s love, He came a dwelt among us and reconciled us to the Father. All things will culminate in His second coming and rather than reconciliation, He will present us—the Bride—to the Father. Let’s reflect and rejoice on the unfailing Love of God.

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