The time to stand is now.
This is a classically good story of sitting down, and standing up.
Only Jesus does this in the reverse. He first stands, then he sits.
Lectionary followers may have centered on the Gospel of Luke these past two Sundays in January. Here we have the scripture of Jesus coming into his hometown, Nazareth. The local carpenter’s son enters the synagogue as usual on the Sabbath. Having gained popularity as a traveling preacher, Jesus stands and reads what is handed to him. This portion of text is written by the prophet Isaiah. It reads as follows.
“This Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that the captives will be released, that the blind will see, [and] that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’S favor has come (Isaiah 61:1-2).”
After returning the scroll to an attendant, Jesus sits down to reflect on the text as any rabbi in the day would do. Only here Jesus shares what no rabbi has ever said. “The scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled today (Luke 4:21b).”
Whoa-ho!
What?
Maybe there is complete silence around Jesus. Maybe there is a gasp. Maybe somebody who remembers Jesus as a boy says in their doubting mind, “Now, wait a minute.”
I regularly share from the pulpit what I hold are the three times the history of the world has changed. Here the are from the least significant to the most. First is Jesus’ birth. Second is this moment here. Third is Jesus’ death on the cross coupled with the empty tomb three days later.
Seriously, completely, and unquestionably, these three events have shaped human history. They will continue to do so, even for those who have little or nothing to do with this self-professed Messiah who, as it goes, did miraculous healings and never-done-again impossibilities like turning water to wine, calming a storm at sea in seconds, and feeding 5,000 with a couple of fish and am armful of bread.
This prophetic Isaiah scripture has been fulfilled. Good news reaches the poor. Captives of all kinds are released. Those who are blind in a myriad of ways see. The oppressed from all facets of life are set free.
And then there’s this: the time of the LORD’S favor is here now.
The opportunity for the congregation to give the pastor feedback is typical these days. This usually takes place at the door or within the sanctuary itself.
As you read further into Luke 4, you’ll see that Jesus deeply angers his audience because this upstart rabbi wannabe says the LORD’S favor is extended to people beyond the immediate members only club. The audience who hears this charges (and chases) Jesus to the edge of the hill on which the town is built. They have the intention of pushing him over the cliff (verse 29).
I share all of this because I don’t think anyone in the angry mob had the cool-headed wherewithal to ask Jesus this follow-up. “Rabbi, does the time of the LORD’S favor end, or does it continue?”
It continues.
This favor isn’t a one and done. “I’m sorry but you missed it,” isn’t something Jesus would say—ever. The Lord’s favor continues.
Someone who hears me as this preacher/vlogger/blogger/columnist should say, “Phew,” or “Amen.” There should be no gasp but a sigh of relief with this! Hooray. Yippee. Trumpets sound. Angels sing. The time of the LORD’S favor IS now. Now. As in as you’re reading this. As in as soon as you finish reading this. As in yesterday. As in tomorrow.
I don’t know a Christian who should sit down with this news.
Then, like now, Jesus is doing what Jesus does—and will do. He sets people free.
And then, like now, people are so miffed by this that they are still trying to run him to the edge of town.
This text isn’t dead, folks. It keeps on repeating and reliving itself each day.
The LORD’s favor continues. Remember this. Treasure this. Live this. Stand up and share (or shout) this with how you live, how you respond, and how you give.
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