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.
-Luke 4:18-19
I was brought up in a church that stressed all the sinful things we shouldn’t do. In fact, during my high school years when someone would suggest doing something, we used to laughingly say, “Might as well, can’t dance.” I’ve known people who don’t want Jesus in their lives because it would limit their freedom—fun times would be over!
I like what Dr. Snyder says about Jesus and his Gospel: “He was sent to release people from every form of captivity, blindness, and oppression. He was and is the bringer of joy and celebration. Jesus brings the party with him. The New Testament uses every possible image to show us that the mission of Jesus in the world is joyful liberation… If we hold to any view of the meaning of Jesus’ Gospel other than the fact that it’s good news, then we can be sure that it’s not the real Gospel.”
TODAY’S PRAYER: When you are praying for your particular needs, go on and ask for the moon. Don’t hold back. Pray for a full, many-sided liberation from all that oppresses and holds you back.
Photo by Jason Reichard via Flickr
- God of the Last Minute - September 25, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 100 – A New Day - April 10, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 99 – The Final Chapter - April 9, 2018
