Neighbor Groups: Seek JusticeSample

The Same Spirit

Yesterday, we read about Jesus as the Jubilee, announcing His mission: to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. 

Not only does Jesus summon the historical, scriptural, and traditional richness of Isaiah 61 to summarize both how we fall short of reflecting His image and who God sent to restore it, but He kept emphasizing one particular action: to proclaim.

Jesus didn’t say, “I’ve come with a giant bag of food and money so that, from today onward, the poor will have everything they need.” He said he had come “to proclaim good news to the poor.”  

Jesus didn’t say, “I came with a super special master key that works in all the prison cell doors and doubles as government reform that I hereby declare into law in every country henceforth.” He said He had been sent “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.”  

Jesus didn’t say, “I came to throw the best ever year-of-the-Lord’s-favor party, and I’ll do the inviting, planning, and catering, and I’ll definitely pick the music.” He said He was here “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 

What’s the point? Jesus announced His mission with a word that calls us back to our mission. 

Remember when God made us in His likeness, called us good, and asked us to look after the earth and everything in it? And then we looked out for ourselves and failed to do Him justice? 

“Proclaim” is our reminder that Jesus didn’t come to sit and judge us or to do our jobs for us. 

Jesus not only forgives us but also empowers us to take back the responsibility God gave mankind—ruling over and taking care of all creation. When we do, we’re proclaiming more of His justice to the world around us. 

Jesus lived a human life to show us how to do the work. He died a horrific death to bury our attempts at self-salvation once and for all, and He was raised back to life by the same power that now lives in us. 

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11 NLT

The Spirit of God called on by Isaiah and Jesus is the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and the same Spirit that Jesus promised before ascending into heaven. The Holy Spirit does what the law in Leviticus was unable to do—He sets us free and empowers us not only to see and experience God’s goodness again but also to be His goodness for others again throughout every part of our daily life.

Pray: Heavenly Father, it can be difficult to remember that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in me. Please remind me that Your Spirit sets me free and empowers me to bring justice in every area of my life. Guide and direct me as I partner with You in bringing Your goodness to earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: As you read and pray today, ask the Spirit to show you how to display more of God’s image in your life.