THURSDAY 3.2.23: Early returns: some amazed, others furious
Jesus defined his mission with the healing, liberating action words of Isaiah 61. In Nazareth, he met rejection and anger. The people in Capernaum wanted him to stay (verse 42). Jesus did not let either human rejection or popularity decide his actions, but steadily followed the course he and God chose.
• Jesus claimed Isaiah 61:1-2 as his “job description.” He later said doing what he did is the call for all his followers (cf. John 14:12, 20:21). Re-read Luke 4:18-19. Which parts of this work are you most passionate about? Will you accept Jesus’ “job offer” and join him in actively carrying out God’s mission in our hurting world?
• Jesus was the ultimate “servant leader.” That included intentional soul care. In verse 42 (again in Luke 5:16), Luke said Jesus made a point of praying in solitary places. Solitude—just you and God—can be hard. How could you create some alone time on purpose each day? How could you find longer periods of solitude with God as needed?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, rejected or praised, you steadily lived out God’s purpose for your life. Guide me in nurturing the inner springs of life so that I, too, can live out your purpose for me. Amen.