“When he (Jesus) came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
Luke 4:16-20 NLT
God of the Good News,
Luke tells us Jesus came out of the wilderness, after being tested by the devil, full of the Holy Spirits power (Luke 4:14). He taught in synagogues around Galilee and then came to the one in Nazareth, his boyhood home. He chose his home place of worship and prayer to make the very first announcement of who He was! Then He sat down. Many historians say there was a chair left empty in the synagogue showing hope for the return of the Messiah! Well if He sat down there it would have got their attention, and to see what he would do or say next!
And He said clearly I am He, the Anointed One. Many were impressed, many were confused as they knew his earthly parents! For us Lord there was a time when we decided to follow You. Was Jesus just a good man. Was this Your Son?
For me as the writer to Hebrews says, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus is sat in the seat of authority. He will not, cannot be usurped. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Thank You for our security in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of the Good News,
Plant goodness in our family and friends and mercy and love in the homes of our neighbours and along where we live. We pray they will give You house and heart room. Bless us through this week and all that is planned or will unfold.
Bless Ukraine with peace.
Thank You for the way that Your creation can recover from fires and floods. Things grow again miraculously sometimes. But human hearts need help to recover and come to terms with loss. Bless nature and enfold people.
As You sit in the seat of authority in glory at the right hand of God we pray that You will bless Your church worldwide and each and every child of God with faith, hope and love. Protect those who are persecuted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 28th August 2023
Lovely new hymn
‘Jesus is Lord’ – the cry that echoes through creation:
Resplendent power, eternal Word, our Rock,
The Son of God, the King whose glory fills the heavens,
Yet bids us come to taste this living Bread.
Jesus is Lord – whose voice sustains the stars and planets,
Yet in His wisdom laid aside His crown,
Jesus the Man, who washed our feet, who bore our suffering,
Became a curse to bring salvation’s plan.
Jesus is Lord – the tomb is gloriously empty,
Not even death could crush this King of love.
The price is paid, the chains are loosed, and we’re forgiven,
And we can run into the arms of God.
‘Jesus is Lord’ – a shout of joy, a cry of anguish,
As He returns, and every knee bows low.
Then every eye and every heart will see His glory,
The Judge of all will take His children home.
Lyrics: Stuart Townend & Keith Getty
One of the earlier collaborations between Keith Getty & Stuart Townend, written in 2003 in a traditional hymn-like four verse format, tracing the God of creation, the giving Jesus as a humble sacrifice, His glorious resurrection, and His ultimate return.