Jesus, returning in the power of the Spirit, stands up in the synagogue and reads His job description from Isaiah 61. His first responsibility is to bring glad tidings to the poor (Lk 4:18). When He did that, He was accused of breaking the law by eating with tax collectors and sinners (Mt 9:11). The second part of His job is to proclaim liberty to captives (Lk 4:18). When He told the religious leaders and people that they were slaves of sin, they denied everything, maintaining they were children of Abraham and had never been slaves (Jn 8:33). Jesus' third responsibility is to provide recovery of sight to the blind (Lk 4:18). After Jesus healed the man born blind, He implied the Pharisees were blind (Jn 9:40). They were greatly upset with Jesus for this.
It seems that every time Jesus does His saving work, people get upset. In fact, after Jesus finished reading His job description, He preached in such a way that the people tried to kill Him by throwing Him over a cliff (Lk 4:29).
What about you? Will you admit your slavery and blindness? Can Jesus say what He wants to you? Will you accept God's lifesaving work in your life?
| PRAYER: | Jesus, when You give me a gift, may I not refuse it and pretend I don't need it. |
| PROMISE: | "Everyone begotten of God conquers the world, and the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours." –1 Jn 5:4 |
| PRAISE: | St. Andr� attracted many to the faith by his humble example of service. St. Andr� offered healing prayers through the intercession of St. Joseph for countless visitors. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College