Image from a photo taken by Eradio Valverde at a first century synagogue
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about Him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, He went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ And He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then He began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ (Luke 4:14-21)
Happy Monday dear Friend! Today is Martin Luther King Day, a day to remember the work of one who died trying to bring about love and harmony among all people. May his example of nonviolence and belief that only love can conquer hate inspire us to live in the same way. As we pray for that, let us pray for those who are still at the mercy of the government shut down. May God be with our leaders in finding a solution quickly to restore needed resources to the families affected by this. Prayers for Nellie as she recovers from bronchitis, and this servant as I battle what I hope is the last of this second dreaded cold!
Today's photo was taken at the base of a valley near where Jesus grew up. It is believed to be the very site where Jesus did what was shared in today's passage. The experts know this to be a synagogue from the first century (Jesus' time) and a very powerful place to visit. When the road allows, the drive from the top of the mountain to this site is a bit rough, but as luck would have it, when Nellie and I were there, recent rains kept the bus at the top of the mountain and we walked down to see this beautiful and powerful site. The walk down was easy and pleasant; the walk up allowed me to write out my will!
The synagogue was small. The faithful would sit on the floor, men at the front, women in the back. The front of it had a table where an attendant would bring the scroll, unroll it and the teacher for that day would walk up to the table, read the passage, hand it back to the attendant and walk to the Seat of Moses, where he would sit and preach. That day, the sermon began with a powerful declaration that caught many off guard. The passage was one that some call a job description: Spirit-filled, and Spirit-led, anointed to preach good news to the poor; release of the captives, recover of sight to the blind; the oppressed are released and to proclaim, as The Message says (v. 19) "God's year to act!" Jesus took the scroll, rolled it up and handed back, sat down and said, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Gasp. In this out-of-the-way, back water town, maybe twenty or so people heard the Boss' son say, "You heard the job description, I have the job!" If only the people would have known that before hand. They knew Jesus. Jesus was a carpenter. He supported His mother, Mary, whom the town also knew. They knew His siblings, and here this first century carpenter is saying, "The job is mine?" Nope. Sadly, many still say that and some even believe it.
The truth is any year we allow God, it becomes the year for God to act. On our behalf, on our needs, on our doubts and challenges. If we allow Him to. Whatever you may be facing, however weak you think your faith is; whatever doubts have been parading freely in your mind, stop, breathe, pray. The prayer is simple: Your will be done. Bam! God takes over, and we receive the blessings. Yes, it's still difficult and the challenge may not go away immediately, but when you know God is working on your behalf, you take a breath and you know it will be all right. The ruins look like a launching pad after a powerful rocket leaves it. That's exactly what that become over time. From this desolate spot in a key place on the globe, the rocket that is salvation took off and has covered the world. Heck, it might have even visited your place. Your heart even. If not, invite Him in!
PRAYER: Awesome God, this is the year for You to act in my life. You know me, You love me, and You better than even myself know what I am up against. Take over and glorify Yourself in me. And let me sing that which will bless my heart so that others too say say this prayer too. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Let the Boss' son work in your life!
Eradio Valverde
TOUR UPDATE: We had a great meeting with some wonderful pictures shared of the places we hope to visit in Greece in September! If you get your $750 deposit in before next Monday, your total price will have an additional $50 off, along with the $150 that we receive if we pay before March 5th. The tour guy said we should invest in the travel insurance. Here's the link to the info on that tour. Please share with someone who might want to join Nellie and I on this amazing trip! https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/924557
