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. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”   Luke 4 : 20 - 21

Readings this week  Nehemiah 8 : 1 – 3, 5 – 6, 8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 12 : 12 - 31; Luke 4 : 14 - 21

Thought for this week

It seems appropriate the ceasefire in Gaza has begun with the release of prisoners on both sides. Their release has brought much needed mercy and some release for those involved from the trauma and agony of the conflict.

In our Gospel reading Jesus returns to His earthly home of Nazareth. Yet His visit is not to win favour. He is respected by the people at first, and praised. Yet Jesus did not come just to be given earthly accolades. As He reads from Isaiah’s prophecy, it is clear He has come to change our lives, transform our relationship with God, to put right and to set free.

The episode ends with Jesus being hounded out of town, because He has come to upset, to stir, to bring justice, and to set us truly free from all that shackles, from ‘the sin that so easily entangles’ (Hebrews 12 : 1).

Jesus offers us true freedom that lasts, that transforms, that calls all people back to the Lord who even restores spiritual sight to see things as they truly are, and reaches the prisoners locked in by fear, prejudice, loneliness, and all the other gaolers to afflict our lives.

Jesus’ true freedom offered to each of us. True freedom for all people.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week (inspired by Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18-19)

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us!
We have been called, we have been anointed, we have been given a task.
So go out from this place into the mission field that is the world. We go carrying Good News to the world: news about freedom from oppression and healing for the afflicted.
The time of the Lord's favour is now!
Hallelujah! Amen.

posted by Rev Gord on his blog, Worship Offerings. http://worshipofferings.blogspot.ca/

People to pray for

For peace across the world

For the ministry of the church amongst the poor, the oppressed, those enslaved by addictions and temptation, those who are downtrodden or broken – hearted. The ministry of Jesus today.