Luke 4:14-21 (NRSV)
Read Luke 4:14-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. Verse 15He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. Verse 16When 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, Verse 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: Verse 18"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, Verse 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Verse 20And 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. Verse 21Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Devotion
Yesterday we heard Jesus portraying himself as the servant of God foretold by Isaiah. If that claim were not shocking enough, he ended with one more surprise: "This day it is being fulfilled even in your hearing!" All they could think about was that he was only a local boy just like their own.
There’s a "heads-up" in scripture whenever we see the words “this day” or "today." "This day in the city of David, a child is born—a Savior." To the thief on the cross, "Today you shall be with me in paradise." To Zacchaeus, "I'm coming to your house today." "Today harden not your hearts." There’s warning, excitement, history-making salvation ready to happen in each today.
And for you, too, today is like no other—past or future. Unique opportunities await you this day—for receiving grace, for being light and salt, for blessing someone, for being filled with joy in God's presence. Don’t miss what awaits you today!
Prayer
Lord, fill me with joy in your presence and let it flow through me to others—today. Amen.