Opening Text
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because He has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
SOMETIME WE ARE ONLY PARTLY HEARING THE STORY OF GOD
Sometimes we take little or small parts of what God says and allow this to shape our whole understanding of God. That is like blindfolded people touching an elephant (use picture from https://www.theblindelephant.com/the_blind_elephant_fable.html)
The Israelites had this problem in our reading from Nehemiah 8:9-10
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9-10
They had recognised they were neglecting God....were sorrowful, but were missing the forgiveness and joy God gives
Practical: When we confess sins...if we stop at only acknowledging our sins....we miss what God is saying to us....God's forgiveness-absolution is the major message....God is saying I forgive you
GOD SPEAKS TO US WITH THE LAW
Not bad
Not the main or final message of His story for us
It has a supporting role to the story of God for us
Helps us see how we should be living as Christians with God and each other
Helps us recognise why we need Jesus
Helps us see how to share God’s love in the world
BUT A FOCUS ON THE LAW CREATES PROBLEMS
We rely on laws to fix problems – so many assume this is how God works (or should work)
Law leads to many of the messages in society today, which are judgement, you have failed, you are not good enough
As a result of the law some see themselves as more righteous than others because they are ‘abiding’ by the laws they feel are important
A significant number of people are ‘poor’ (on the outer or disadvantaged, not just financially poor)
GOD DOESN'T STOP AT THE LAW - HIS ULTIMATE MESSAGE IS THE GOSPEL
Jesus brings the Gospel – Good News
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because He has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Jesus doesn’t just speak the Good News
Jesus is the Good News for all who believe in Him
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:22
And the Good News of Jesus is available now, today
“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:21
FAITH IN ACTION
Hear the whole story God has for you.
When hearing ‘the law’ accept God’s guidance, it is helpful but don’t rely on it for true life, remember it is not the main point, it plays a supporting role.
Whenever you feel judged, guilty or ashamed….remember Jesus, God’s love and forgiveness for you.
Keep sharing with people the Good News of Jesus, we are loved, forgiven and accepted because of Jesus
A question to reflect on and put into action
Who in your life, can you think of, needs to hear they are loved and accepted by God? How might you show this to them?
