Tag: recovery of sight
The Anointing!
Scripture reading for October 22: Luke 3-6
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” “Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21
Not much is recorded about the life of Jesus from the time He was twelve until He was baptized by John at the age of thirty. We know that He worked with Joseph for part of that time in their carpenter shop. He took part in normal family life and community life in the town of Nazareth. Can you imagine eating off of a table that Jesus had made? Or using an ox yoke that He had crafted? Just think of the Son of God doing such menial labor for ordinary people! This was all part of His preparation for the ministry of preaching the Good News to the lost of the world!
At the proper time, Jesus went down to the Jordan River to where John the Baptist was baptizing those who would repent. John had spoken of one who would come after him whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. When John saw Jesus, he immediately knew that He was this One! (John 1:29) Jesus was baptized and the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven declared: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) This beautiful anointing following the baptism of Jesus is something to savor and meditate on! God loved His Son and let Him know that very plainly. He was pleased with His Son and told Him so! How much these thoughts should speak to each of us who are adopted into God’s household!
Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. For forty days, Jesus fasted all food. Satan came to tempt Him and each time, Jesus quoted Scripture to defeat him. The anointing led Jesus and empowered Him with the Word of God! He was successful against the temptations of Satan because of following the anointing.
When he arrived back in Nazareth at His home synagogue, He was invited to read from the scroll of Isaiah61:1-2. He read the words quoted to begin this devotion. The Spirit had anointed Him to preach the Good News and proclaim freedom to all who needed it and would hear. He was anointed to heal and deliver the blind and oppressed. He was to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. This Scripture was fulfilled in the hearing of those present that day in Nazareth! (Luke 4:21)
The anointing of the Holy Spirit indwelling Jesus Christ is for us today! The Holy Spirit will do in our lives the same things and greater things because Jesus has gone to the Father! (John 14:12-13) Think on these things!