Luke 4:14-44

In this continuing Sunday series on the book of Luke we examined the passage in chapter 4 where Jesus returned to his home of Nazareth and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and was asked to read the Scripture. He read from Isaiah 61:1-2 and finished up with the surprise statement that the scripture you just heard has now been fulfilled (by me). Needless to say this took people off guard as well as his following remarks about a prophet not being accepted in his hometown and the people had enough and were ready to throw him off a cliff. Pastor Rob taught on what we should take away from this passage to apply to our Christian walk today. There are a number of things Jesus displayed in his actions, actions that we should be taking as Christians today since we are called to be like him. First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, otherwise anything we try to do will fail as it would only be of our own efforts. We must be completely under the Spirit's control at all times and in all areas of our life. No small task. We must be completely focused on and sold out to God and doing his will. Next we have the job of reaching out and evangelizing others so that they may have the opportunity to come to know Christ. Part of that is bringing hope and encouragement to them; that they have an opportunity to be made whole by the Lord's power. Another point is edification - we need to be building up those around us. The only thing we should be tearing down is the walls that divide us rather than each other. The next is that Christ set us free from our bondage to sin and death to equip us. Yes, we have a purpose in God's kingdom designed to bring him glory. I could go into this a lot more, but if you feel your life has no meaning then know right now that only God can bring this to your life. If you're running your own life you may find all kinds of things to be involved in but you will never be satisfied in the way that God brings satisfaction to those that live according to his plan for their life. The final point is exaltation. This one is a favorite of mine. Are you like me and can't wait for Sunday to come around again so you can worship? One of the ways this happens is that if you have been seeking after God all week through prayer, reading his word etc. then you will be bursting at the seams, ready to worship come Sunday. All of your life should be an act of worship. Lift him up each day so that others are drawn to him simply by what is reflected in your own life. Set your mind this week on being a light in this world, so that others will ask what the source of your hope and joy is and you will be able to give God the glory.