Act JustlySample

Jesus was called to bring justice and mercy

Ama is a seamstress in Sierra Leone, West Africa—but a facial tumour made it hard for her to work. When Mercy Ships arrived, Ama sold her sewing machine to pay for a taxi to go to the patient screening. She received a free surgery onboard their hospital ship to remove the tumour.

But now, how was she going to support her family? Crew member Elaine heard Ama’s story—and she and her husband bought a new sewing machine for Ama. A delighted Ama returned home with a new sewing machine. She immediately put her measuring tape around her neck. Elaine said, “That meant she was back in business!”

In the passage we read today we will see that Jesus teaches in the synagogue, reading the words of Isaiah. Christ knows that He is the fulfilment of these scriptures. Jesus' mission was to release the oppressed and bring healing and freedom to the poor. His ‘holistic’ ministry deals with the spiritual, the emotional and the physical needs of those he meets and ministers to.  Jesus calls us into this same ministry!

The Spirit of God has anointed you to bring freedom to the captives and He gives you the power to make a difference to change lives. If we’re honest, we can sometimes feel as if we could never make a difference. Yet, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us. When we align ourselves with God’s purposes and reach out to those in need, God meets us there in our weakness. God is able to minister through us by His Spirit.

Call to action -  In what way are you living out Jesus’ call to bring good news to the poor, release the captives, recover sight for the blind, let the oppressed go free, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour?