The Year of The Lord's Favor

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed: "...the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor....to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair..." (Isa 61:1-3).

Centuries later, Jesus unrolled a scroll and read: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Lk 4:18-19).  After reading the scroll, he rolled it up and said: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Lk 4:21).

Later still, the apostle Paul would join in the refrain, saying: "As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:1-2).

So, having heard the focus of the prophet, the Christ and the apostle; what do you think the focus of the church ought to be today?  Building projects?  Politics?  Climate change?  Social reform?  Political correctness?  Moral engineering?  Financial gain?  As children of God and followers of Christ, where precisely ought our efforts be directed?

How about proclaiming, promoting and participating in "The Year of The Lord's Favor"?  How about we focus on living a life of thanksgiving for the favor He has shown us, share the good news of the blessings He has in store for others and finally, sharing those blessings with those who grieve, those who are oppressed, those who are held captive by their addictions, those who are less fortunate...?

How about we simply focus on the prophetic, apostolic and messianic work of God so clearly established in the Holy Scriptures?  Jus' Say'n.