James RiemkeMay 3, 1939 - February 7, 2010
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Time in the Word Epiphany 5
Monday, February 1, 2010 Jesus calls us to service. This is one of the accruing themes of the season of Epiphany as Jesus has come and has manifested Himself in His word and work as we behold His glory. Our response is to follow Him in willful obedience and service. What is it that God is calling you to do this week, this month, and this year? Take time thinking about this subject. In His first miracle, Jesus' mother tells the servants, "Whatever He tells you, do it." That is good advice for us to heed and follow.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Isaiah 6:1-11 Isaiah chapter six is one of the grand chapters of the Old Testament. Here we have the call of Isaiah to be a prophet of God. Isaiah did not necessarily want to accept his call. He felt he was unqualified. He knew that he was a sinner and that he would be sent to a sinful nation who would not want to listen to him. What was he to do? God forgave his sin and used him in a mighty way. Can God use you to do His bidding? Of course, He can. No matter what "sin" might be prohibiting you, God in Christ has forgiven you to do His work for Him.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 1 Corinthians 14:12-20 We continue in a series of readings dealing with the activity of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is to edify and build up the body of Christ known as the church. The church will grow not by human means, by cunning ways, by programs, or building structures. The kingdom comes and grows by the Holy Spirit actively working in the lives of people. The Spirit comes through those means of grace that God has given us. May we call upon the Spirit to build us up to be His church.
Thursday, February 4, 2010 - Luke 5:1-11 In this season of Epiphany, we recall a series of first things. We have witnessed Jesus' first miracle; we have heard His first sermon. Now we see His first disciple called into active service. Peter is an interesting sort of fellow. He speaks first and questions later. He is bold in faith at one moment and timid the next. Peter is a lot like us today. He had his own questions and fears. He had sickness in his family. He worked long hours trying to run a business. When Jesus called Peter, he responded. The Savior used common ordinary people like you and me to be His followers. What is it that God is calling you to do? May we take the example of Peter and faithfully follow when we are asked to go.
Thursday, February 4, 2010 - Luke 5:1-11 In this season of Epiphany, we recall a series of first things. We have witnessed Jesus' first miracle; we have heard His first sermon. Now we see His first disciple called into active service. Peter is an interesting sort of fellow. He speaks first and questions later. He is bold in faith at one moment and timid the next. Peter is a lot like us today. He had his own questions and fears. He had sickness in his family. He worked long hours trying to run a business. When Jesus called Peter, he responded. The Savior used common ordinary people like you and me to be His followers. What is it that God is calling you to do? May we take the example of Peter and faithfully follow when we are asked to go.
Friday, February 5, 2010 - Psalm 136 The Psalm for this week falls under the Thanksgiving theme as the refrain reminds us, "For His mercy endures forever." Such is the testimony of faith. What is it that we have witnessed in our life? Has it not been the tender mercies of God? As you read this Psalm, think of the many blessings that God has given to you and then respond with David for His mercy endures forever.
Saturday, February 6, 2010 - Psalm 112 Portions of the Introit for next Sunday are taken from Psalm 112. David reminds us that "wealth and riches are in His house; and His righteousness endures forever." Why do we come on a regular basis to God's house? Is it not to receive the gifts of God? God is rich in mercy. He can and will supply you with whatever you need. All of His mercy is for the asking. Whatever your need might be, come and ask of Him who will give out of the abundance of His mercy. Today He stands ready to supply you with whatever you might need.
Prayer for Epiphany 5 - O God, our Loving Father, through the grace of Your Holy Spirit You plant the gift of Your love into the hearts of Your faithful people. Grant to Your servants soundness of mind and body, so that they may love You with their whole strength and with the whole heart do these things that are pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
Sources:
Lutheran Worship Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.©1982 p.25Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C John R. Brokhoff C. S. S. Publishing Co. Lima, OH © 1979
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Epiphany 4
For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!” (Luke 4:36)
Jesus goes to Capernaum, the center of His Galilean ministry. The crowds are astounded at the authority of His teaching. They are amazed at the power demonstrated in his healing. Who is this Jesus? To what extent is he our authority, our standard for truth? What do we known of his power?
Jesus enters into His Father’s house and He begins teaching the people the Good News about the kingdom. But unlike the Pharisees and teachers of the law who quote the teachings of Moses and the Prophets, Jesus speaks by His own authority. Rather than speaking the teachings of others, Jesus speaks the Word Himself. With this speaking, He fulfills His role as the great High Priest.
Satan being cast down upon the earth in disobedience, hatred and spite has one of his demons take possession of a man in the synagogue. He recognizes Jesus as the One who has supreme authority and power. He cries cried out with a loud voice, “I know who you are— the Holy One of God.”
The evil spirit’s possession of the man is a direct assault upon the Father and His work of creation. Jesus as the great High Priest came to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus had the right, to set free the man held captive. Satan still considers it an infringement of his rights when God frees a “sinner” from bondage and destroys his influence. He still remains spiteful, malignant like a cancer - poisonous like a serpent - spreading his anger. He’s vicious. Striking out at all who come too close.
This demon was no different than his master. Still spiteful, though obliged to obey the divine will of God, the demon submits because he had to, not because he chose to. He exerted his last power, inflicting all the pain he could, and then bowed to the Son of God and came out.
Jesus came down from heaven in love and obedience to His Father. Jesus came to earth for the very purpose of paying the bills owed to the Father for your iniquity disobedience and sin. Jesus took the bills of your sin and paid the cost with His very own body and blood so that you could be free from the guilt over your iniquity and to relieve you from the burden of your sin.
When you humbly turn to Jesus in faith, believing that His death on the cross accomplished your salvation, you are enabled to confess your sins and ask that your debts be forgiven. He freely gives you pardon and peace. His gifts He offers to all who love Him. Jesus enables you to stand upright before Him as He removes your sin so that you are free to serve Him. In doing this, Jesus makes you Holy.
He made you holy in your Baptism. This is what our students learned in Morning Prayer this past week. What does Baptism with water signify? “It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”
You are now free to live the life the Father intended for you to live. Your heavenly Father does not mean for you to live for yourself. You now live giving glory to God, as you serve your neighbor in the time given to you.
Jesus goes to Capernaum, the center of His Galilean ministry. The crowds are astounded at the authority of His teaching. They are amazed at the power demonstrated in his healing. Who is this Jesus? To what extent is he our authority, our standard for truth? What do we known of his power?
Jesus enters into His Father’s house and He begins teaching the people the Good News about the kingdom. But unlike the Pharisees and teachers of the law who quote the teachings of Moses and the Prophets, Jesus speaks by His own authority. Rather than speaking the teachings of others, Jesus speaks the Word Himself. With this speaking, He fulfills His role as the great High Priest.
Satan being cast down upon the earth in disobedience, hatred and spite has one of his demons take possession of a man in the synagogue. He recognizes Jesus as the One who has supreme authority and power. He cries cried out with a loud voice, “I know who you are— the Holy One of God.”
The evil spirit’s possession of the man is a direct assault upon the Father and His work of creation. Jesus as the great High Priest came to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus had the right, to set free the man held captive. Satan still considers it an infringement of his rights when God frees a “sinner” from bondage and destroys his influence. He still remains spiteful, malignant like a cancer - poisonous like a serpent - spreading his anger. He’s vicious. Striking out at all who come too close.
This demon was no different than his master. Still spiteful, though obliged to obey the divine will of God, the demon submits because he had to, not because he chose to. He exerted his last power, inflicting all the pain he could, and then bowed to the Son of God and came out.
Jesus came down from heaven in love and obedience to His Father. Jesus came to earth for the very purpose of paying the bills owed to the Father for your iniquity disobedience and sin. Jesus took the bills of your sin and paid the cost with His very own body and blood so that you could be free from the guilt over your iniquity and to relieve you from the burden of your sin.
When you humbly turn to Jesus in faith, believing that His death on the cross accomplished your salvation, you are enabled to confess your sins and ask that your debts be forgiven. He freely gives you pardon and peace. His gifts He offers to all who love Him. Jesus enables you to stand upright before Him as He removes your sin so that you are free to serve Him. In doing this, Jesus makes you Holy.
He made you holy in your Baptism. This is what our students learned in Morning Prayer this past week. What does Baptism with water signify? “It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”
You are now free to live the life the Father intended for you to live. Your heavenly Father does not mean for you to live for yourself. You now live giving glory to God, as you serve your neighbor in the time given to you.
I say no
Our friends in Washington announced their biggest stimulus project yet; a high speed rail line that will cost billions of dollars and hopefully create thousands of jobs...In Ohio a train going from Cincinnati to Columbus to Cleveland will take just over six hours with a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour. You can travel by car in half the time. And how much will it cost to maintain the line?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Mozart broadcast coming this Thursday
Mozart's clarinet concerto performed by the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic on Saturday January 16th will be rebroadcast on Thursday, 1/28/2010 @ 8 pm on WBNI 94.1 FM The soloist Anthony McGill attended Interlochen Arts Academy and the Curtis Institute of Music. He is the principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. The man’s a freaking genius. You will hear Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 in D Major Concerto in A Major his Concerto in A Major for Clarinet and Orchestra followed by Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue in C Minor and Symphony No. 35 in De Major. If you're working on your taxes in preparation for the FAFSA you might as well do it with some good music. If you have the chance tune in you won’t be disappointed.
Photo © Ft. Wayne Philharmonic
Time in the Word - Epiphany 4
The Theme for Epiphany 4 “Opposition to the Word of God” is seen in all three readings. In the Old Testament lesson, (Jeremiah 1:4-10) God promises to deliver those who fear the Lord. In the Epistle lesson, (1 Corinthians 12:31b – 13:13) the solution to opposition is love. In the Gospel for Epiphany 4, (Luke 4:31-44) Nazareth rejects Jesus for preaching the truth. Because we live in a fallen world our prayer is echoed by the hymn for the Day, “Lord, keep us steadfast in Your word.”
Collect for Epiphany 4 Lord, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Monday, 25 January 2010—Psalm 10:16-18, Antiphon, Psalm 10:12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the afflicted. Those who are at the mercy of the oppressors have no one to go to except the One who created heaven and earth. Thus the psalmist pleads to the Lord to rescue him from the attacks of unscrupulous men. When wickedness rises against us we run to the waiting arms of the only one who can help us.
Collect for Epiphany 4 Lord, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Monday, 25 January 2010—Psalm 10:16-18, Antiphon, Psalm 10:12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the afflicted. Those who are at the mercy of the oppressors have no one to go to except the One who created heaven and earth. Thus the psalmist pleads to the Lord to rescue him from the attacks of unscrupulous men. When wickedness rises against us we run to the waiting arms of the only one who can help us.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010—Psalm 71:1-6 (7-11); key verse v12 Be not far from me O God; come quickly O my God to help me. This verse is a part of a prayer the psalmist prays in the waning years of his life. He knows his shepherd’s voice. He has the experience of the Good Shepherd’s guiding hand. Nothing will befall him with out the Savior’s will being perfected in his life. In a quite confidence he waits patiently upon the Lord. In like manner we commit our circumstances into the Lord’s safe keeping.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010— Jeremiah 1:4-10– God promises to deliver the prophet Jeremiah from the fear of those opposing the Word. Before Jeremiah was born, he was called to be a prophet. The point of contact of this lesson with the Gospel is Jeremiah’s fear of preaching the Word as implied in verse 8. In the Gospel Jesus faced His opposition with courage. Here we are given the human side of the preacher. What would Jeremiah say concerning himself? He is destined to preach. (v.5) This is his life’s calling, although at times he feels unworthy to preach (v.6) and is at times afraid to preach. (v.8) But preach he must for he know that he speaks for God. (v.9)
Thursday, 28 January 2010—1 Corinthians12:31b-13:13 – The solution to opposition of course, is love. In a third series on the Spirit Paul explains that love is the best gift of the Spirit. Love, says St. Paul, is the best gift of the Holy Spirit. Love causes the hearer to love and accept the preaching of God’s Word regardless of his hurting. The Law condemns and accuses always. But it is important. It drives us to the Gospel.
Friday, 29 January 2010 – Luke 4:31-44– The people of Nazareth reject Jesus for preaching the truth. Could you believe it? Praise for the local preacher at Nazareth turns into violent hatred. They were about to throw Jesus off a cliff and then stone him to death. His ministry began with the possibility of death and ended with the actuality of death on another hill. People have not change. When a preacher displeases them they usually get rid of him. It is not by killing but by removal. Now church people are more refined; they use non-violent and underhanded methods, but they accomplish the same end. What could the people of Nazareth not tolerate in Jesus? He exposes their jealousy. He called them to repentance. He challenged them to change for the better.
The truth hurts! And we do not like people who hurt us with the truth. For this reason prophets through the ages have been wiped out or driven off. Amos was ordered to leave. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit. Chrysostom and Luther were exiled. Jesus was crucified. All this happened because people could not bear the hurt of the truth from the Word of God.
What must we do when confronted with the Law? Don’t blame the preacher. Stop it! Confess your sin. Don’t make excuses. Repent. Change - now. Switch paths. Don’t go back to visit. Go in the opposite direction. And be calmed by the words that bring comfort - that in Jesus Christ all sin has been paid for – period!
Saturday, 30 January 2009—-Psalm 119:5-10, John 3:31, Ephesians 4:3-6- Sunday’s hymn of the day is Lord keep Us Steadfast in Your Word (655 LSB). Because we live in a fallen world, because we face danger on every side, because there is only one source the Christian has for strength and sustenance we go to the only place for personal protection – the Words and promises of our Lord. Thus our prayer must be as found in the opening lines of our hymn, “Lord, Keep us steadfast in Your Word!”
A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.
A prayer for Home and Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A morning prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A prayer before worship –O Lord, our Creator, Redeemer, and Comforter, as we come to worship You in spirit and in truth, we humbly pray that You may open our hearts to the preaching of Your Word, so that we may repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior, and grow in grace and holiness. Hear us for His same.
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C – John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Epiphany 3
O Lord God Almighty, because You have always supplied Your servants with the several gifts which come from Your Holy Spirit alone, leave also us not destitute of Your manifold gifts nor of grace to use them always to Your honor and glory and the good of others; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.
In the power of the Holy Spirit poured out on Him at His baptism Jesus begins His ministry. By word and deed Jesus proclaims that God indeed has intervened in our world, wrestling control of humanity and its destiny from the grip of Satan.
It was on a Sabbath that Jesus arrived in Nazareth. As was His practice He went to the synagogue. Now the synagogue worship service was divided up into three parts. In the worship part prayers were offered. The reading of the Scriptures consisted of lessons from the Law, usually read verse by verse by seven persons, and lessons from the prophets read three verses at a time. Teaching formed the third part of the service. On that day Jesus was both reader and preacher. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah Jesus proclaims that a new day has dawned. He is the one anointed by God and because He alone was anointed only He can deliver on what the prophet had predicted.
To the poor – those in utter spiritual destitution – He preaches the good news of God’s mercy which frees us. To the prisoners of war under Satan’s control He proclaims release. To the oppressed – those broken in pieces by sin and shame He proclaims freedom. To one and all in spiritual bondage, blindness, poverty and oppression He announces the arrival of an era in human history that God regards with favor and in which He grants His blessings in abundance. It is the first day of the “year” of Jubilee, a fixed period of time wherein liberty is proclaimed throughout the whole land. The Lord’s New Year of Jubilee is proclaimed…
1. In the Person of His Son Jesus Christ.
A. The Spirit of the Lord was on Him. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,” (Luke 4:18)
B. At His baptism He was set apart and endowed for His work in ministry. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
C. He was sent by God in fulfillment of promise. The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach 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 and the day of vengeance of our God, 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 gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
D. He came with power and compassion.
1. The power and compassion are seen in His healing signs. Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ” (Luke 4:23)
2. They are seen above all in His atoning death and resurrection.
Transition: The Lord’s New Year of Jubilee is proclaimed in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ. Because Christ has entered our world it is now the dawn of a new day.
2. God heralds the dawn of the New Year of Jubilee Have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields “‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property. (Leviticus 25:9-13)
A. It is the acceptable time of the Lord. “…proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19)
1. The Year of Jubilee originated with the people of Israel (Leviticus 25:8-17)
2. In the New Testament it became a fixed time in the life of Jesus – from the Incarnation to the 2nd Coming.
B. In it God’s grace and love abound. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,” (Luke 4:18)
1. To the poor He proclaims the good news, God’s free mercy.
2. To the prisoners of war He proclaims release.
3. To the oppressed He proclaims freedom.
C. This promise is fulfilled today in your hearing. “…and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
1. All promises find their focus in Jesus Christ.
2. This is the day of opportunity for us.
3. Rejoice in your “year of Jubilee!”
Conclusion: Jesus today proclaims liberty. These words are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As He speaks this word to you this day it is fulfilled in your hearing! Christ has come to set you free to proclaim liberty and freedom. Not as some might define it but as He has established it at the cross and into your life. As the Son has set you free you truly are free indeed!
In the power of the Holy Spirit poured out on Him at His baptism Jesus begins His ministry. By word and deed Jesus proclaims that God indeed has intervened in our world, wrestling control of humanity and its destiny from the grip of Satan.
It was on a Sabbath that Jesus arrived in Nazareth. As was His practice He went to the synagogue. Now the synagogue worship service was divided up into three parts. In the worship part prayers were offered. The reading of the Scriptures consisted of lessons from the Law, usually read verse by verse by seven persons, and lessons from the prophets read three verses at a time. Teaching formed the third part of the service. On that day Jesus was both reader and preacher. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah Jesus proclaims that a new day has dawned. He is the one anointed by God and because He alone was anointed only He can deliver on what the prophet had predicted.
To the poor – those in utter spiritual destitution – He preaches the good news of God’s mercy which frees us. To the prisoners of war under Satan’s control He proclaims release. To the oppressed – those broken in pieces by sin and shame He proclaims freedom. To one and all in spiritual bondage, blindness, poverty and oppression He announces the arrival of an era in human history that God regards with favor and in which He grants His blessings in abundance. It is the first day of the “year” of Jubilee, a fixed period of time wherein liberty is proclaimed throughout the whole land. The Lord’s New Year of Jubilee is proclaimed…
1. In the Person of His Son Jesus Christ.
A. The Spirit of the Lord was on Him. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,” (Luke 4:18)
B. At His baptism He was set apart and endowed for His work in ministry. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
C. He was sent by God in fulfillment of promise. The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach 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 and the day of vengeance of our God, 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 gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
D. He came with power and compassion.
1. The power and compassion are seen in His healing signs. Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ” (Luke 4:23)
2. They are seen above all in His atoning death and resurrection.
Transition: The Lord’s New Year of Jubilee is proclaimed in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ. Because Christ has entered our world it is now the dawn of a new day.
2. God heralds the dawn of the New Year of Jubilee Have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields “‘In this Year of Jubilee everyone is to return to his own property. (Leviticus 25:9-13)
A. It is the acceptable time of the Lord. “…proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19)
1. The Year of Jubilee originated with the people of Israel (Leviticus 25:8-17)
2. In the New Testament it became a fixed time in the life of Jesus – from the Incarnation to the 2nd Coming.
B. In it God’s grace and love abound. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,” (Luke 4:18)
1. To the poor He proclaims the good news, God’s free mercy.
2. To the prisoners of war He proclaims release.
3. To the oppressed He proclaims freedom.
C. This promise is fulfilled today in your hearing. “…and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)
1. All promises find their focus in Jesus Christ.
2. This is the day of opportunity for us.
3. Rejoice in your “year of Jubilee!”
Conclusion: Jesus today proclaims liberty. These words are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As He speaks this word to you this day it is fulfilled in your hearing! Christ has come to set you free to proclaim liberty and freedom. Not as some might define it but as He has established it at the cross and into your life. As the Son has set you free you truly are free indeed!
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