GOOD NEWS
Kyle Laws
Today’s Scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” Luke 4:18-19, ESV
Theme: The Gospels reveal that Jesus understands, heals, and defeats the root of our brokenness: sin.
SPIRIT OF THE LORD
As followers of Christ, we always have the Holy Spirit within us, guiding, comforting, and speaking. Often, His voice is drowned out by our frustrations, distractions, and hurried thoughts. It reminds me of a time when I was pacing barefoot in my backyard, frustrated about something. My son was making his way back from the trampoline, and a gentle thought rose inside me, “Go meet him, pick him up, and spin him around!” It was the Holy Spirit offering me an invitation for joy and connection, yet I refused - clinging to my mood instead of surrendering to His leadership. The Holy Spirit is always speaking, nudging us toward love, but we can miss Him when we let our frustrations take the lead. His presence never leaves us, even in our weakness. He waits patiently, ready to guide us back into joy, love, and the freedom of walking with Him.
PROCLAIM GOOD NEWS
To be anointed means we are set apart and empowered for the specific purpose of proclaiming Jesus--the Good News--to all who have ears to hear. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14 ESV) It is not enough to quietly believe. We must proclaim, “Jesus is King!” We are called to share this Good News in every home, every street, and every workplace. It’s not about being eloquent or having all the answers - it’s about being available. Too many times, we remain silent out of fear of judgment or fear of saying the wrong thing. The Holy Spirit, however, will supply the boldness, compassion, and words that pierce hearts - we just have to be obedient to His voice when we hear Him speak.
LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE, BLIND, AND OPPRESSED
There are captives all around us. Some are bound by addictions, others by shame or fear, and many by sin’s heavy chains. Some are spiritually blind, unable to see the goodness of God or the truth of His love. There are those crushed by the weight of oppression, whether from injustice or the enemy’s schemes. Jesus is the answer to every single one of these types of bondage. “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11, NIV). Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions and step out in obedience when He prompts you. We are not called to blend in - we are called to stand out, to be lights in the darkness, to declare with joy and power that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. Someone’s eternity may depend on your courage today!
Make It Personal: Think about your own daily rhythm – how often do you quiet yourself enough to hear the Holy Spirit? Maybe you, like me, know what it’s like to let frustration or distraction drown out His voice. Take a few minutes today to slow down, turn off the noise, put aside your phone, and simply listen. Ask Him to bring to mind one small step of obedience. When we still ourselves enough to hear His voice, we discover that He has been speaking all along, gently guiding us into peace and purpose.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for bringing liberty to our lives. Thank You for opening our eyes and setting us free from the weight of sin. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may speak Your words with boldness and serve with Your strength. Show us those who are hurting around us and give us the courage to point them to You. Use our lives as a testimony of Your power and love, that others may find freedom in You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Luke 4:14-30
Weekly Memory Verse: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” Luke 4:18, ESV