We tend to judge the world around us by a standard we would resent being held to ourselves. Two things we forget. It’s not our place to judge the world. And, it’s not judgement day yet. That’s to come later.
Today is the day of favor. If it was the day of judgment, think about how doomed we all would be if not for grace. God is not here to condemn and judge just yet. He is here to set the captives free.
What is Jesus’ Mission?
[quote url=”Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV”]The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.[/quote]
That pretty much summarizes it.
So, if that is Jesus’ mission for this time, how well does my mission line up with His?
Proclaim good news to the poor.
He announces the good news of His salvation, mercy and grace to those who are not only physically poor, but also poor in spirit, humble. Those who fit this description are those most receptive to the good news.
To whom do I proclaim the good news?
Bind up the brokenhearted.
Binding up those who are hurting much like a surgeon or doctor. Jesus heals those broken over their depravity and sinfulness.
How do I respond to those broken over their sin?
Proclaim freedom for captives and release prisoners from darkness.
He declares that He is the One who can free the captives and release the bondage darkness brings.
Do we focus on the freedom one can have or do we focus on the fact that they are a captive?
Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God.
Again, this is the time of favor not judgment even though for those who reject His good news already experience the day of vengeance.
Am I willing to extend grace and favor to those seeking Him and let God take care of those who reject Him?
To comfort all who mourn.
He is the Comforter; One who can comfort all who seek His consoling. He never grows weary of comforting those who need Him.
How differently would the world respond if our mission lined up more closely to Jesus’ mission?
I know that usually is our intent, but how are we doing in practice?
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