Time of Jubilee
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor Isaiah 61:1-2a
Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4:21
Isaiah 61 presents a vision of life restored in the kingdom of God. But those promises did not fully take shape until Jesus proclaimed at the beginning of His ministry, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus’ message was a declaration of grace and forgiveness. “The year of the Lord’s favor” —also known as the Year of Jubilee—was an announcement of “liberty throughout the land” Those who had sold away their family land or given themselves in slavery because they were poor would have their inheritance returned to them. The oppressed, the prisoners, and slaves would all experience God’s abundant grace.
At one time or another, most of us have felt left out of God’s plan, distant from God’s presence, or alienated from the abundant grace of Jesus. This first sermon Jesus gave is a message for us. When we are discouraged by the tragedies in life, imprisoned by depression or guilt, or enslaved by excessive appetites - jubilee liberty and freedom are ours in Jesus.
The kingdom of God includes forgiveness of sins, release from captivity, and jubilee joy. Forgive as you have been forgiven and enjoy the life of grace.
The Year of Jubilee, the time of God’s favor, has arrived in Jesus. Thank you, Lord, that our lives can be filled with grace, abundant joy, freedom, and liberty because of Jesus’ powerful, life-giving message, Amen.