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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Wonderful words resound in the synagogue of Nazareth. Words of hope for the poor and of healing for those whose hearts are broken.
Jesus reads on.
He knows that there are people bound by the devil. They are tied to their sins and cannot break free from them.
These captives will be released. Jesus has come to set them free.
And the blind, their eyes will be opened by Him. They will see Him and believe in Him. (John 9:37-38)
The year of the Lord’s good pleasure has arrived.
The Old Testament speaks of the year of jubilee. This year God had instituted for the Israelites. It was a year of restitution, return, release and rest. This occurred in the fiftieth year after every seventh Sabbath year. (Leviticus 25:8-55)
The year of release reflected the period of grace that had arrived with the coming of the Messiah and the message of the gospel.
A time of joy, peace and rest would dawn. Because Jesus the Messiah came to fulfill all that had been foretold by the prophets centuries ago.
Do you experience joy because of Jesus’ coming? How is He making a difference in your life?