“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.”
–Luke 4:18-19, NRSV
Jesus invites us into this intentional rhythm of Spirit-led ministry, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. Claimed by the Spirit’s presence in baptism (Luke 3:21–22), Jesus is led by the Spirit into his wilderness experience (Luke 4:1). Filled with the Spirit, he emerges from the wilderness encounter to proclaim his mission with, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18). In his wilderness experience, Jesus was tempted by the powers of the world, to which he responded with his sacred “No.” His statement of mission honors the people and circumstances to which he offers his sacred “Yes!” –Janné Grover, Lenten Formation
Reflect:
- Where do you find yourself in this rhythm of Spirit-led ministry?
- What “sacred no” do you need to say? How does this make room for God’s “sacred yes?”
- Prayerfully dwell in the text above. What is God’s invitation for you in these words today?
