Day 13 - Anointed to Bring Freedom

SCRIPTURE:

Luke 4:18, 19

“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.”

DEVOTIONAL:

I’ve spent time observing leadership philosophy and trends. To effectively lead an organization, you must have a clear mission and vision statement. Mission statements define direction and provide guidelines for furthering the purpose of a business, church or even your personal life. 

What transformed me: This is a passage I’ve committed to memory. I don’t think Jesus needed a mission statement because He was prone to forget why He came, but if He had one it was probably this one. I do think Jesus had something to say to those in that synagogue and to all throughout the ages. Jesus was sent and anointed to save and transform. His mission 2000 years ago hasn’t changed.

His is the light so desperately needed in a land of shadow. Jesus is the message for hearts that are weary and lost. Captives still need releasing, the blind still need sight, the oppressed still need freedom and my days still need the favor of God spoken over them.

As a minister, Jesus’ mission statement refocuses mine. I am constantly receiving mailers or emails touting the latest trends in church growth, marketing, preaching styles, etc. In this passage I am reminded that if people are not being released, bonds not being broken and the oppressed not being freed, then not only have I completely missed my purpose, I’ve missed Jesus’ purpose. That tragedy feeds hell and steals from heaven.

The great challenge is to ask what part am I playing in His mission? If you are not a part of that mission, pray that the Holy Spirit will quicken your heart, then be a doer of His Word and be a life-changer!