Theme: Commitment

The Lenten Season

Theme: Commitment

By Rev. Dr. Emmanuel E James

Read: Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the supreme example of commitment. He manifests what a committed life ought to be. He went to the Synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath day as His custom was and read the Scriptures from Prophet Isaiah 61:1,2: "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, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:16-19).

The life of Jesus was a life of commitment to God and His work. From His childhood He was in the habit of worshiping God, reading the Scriptures and praying. We too should develop the habit of going to church regularly on Sundays for worship. Jesus came into the world to seek and save the lost. We too should be concerned to witness and help those in need of salvation. We have divine sources and the grace of God to draw upon to sustain us in our committed efforts for the Lord. Jesus begins by saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me”. Jesus was anointed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Are we filled with the Holy Spirit has the power to help us, strengthen us and sustain us, lead us and guide us.  How much we need this power?

Just as Jesus, we are anointed “to preach good news to the poor”. Since “all have sinned ad come short of the glory of the Lord” (Rom. 3:23), they need the good news of salvation that Jesus is the Savior and only He can forgive our sins. There are always those who are financially poor, others are “poor in Spirit”. He proclaimed freedom to the captives and prisoners. We are all captives and prisoners of the devil and sin. Only Jesus can deliver us from the clutches of the devil and sin. For those who are spiritually blind and cannot see God because of the sin and guilt in their lives, Jesus will cleanse and help to see. He stated, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8). How wonderful is the good news! Jesus releases us from all oppression. We are privileged to live in these days of grace. This is the “acceptable year of the Lord” for each soul.

After completing His committed ministry, Jesus faces the greatest trial in the garden of Gethsemane.  There He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt 26:39). He had to drink the bitter cup of insults, beating, pain, and suffering. But He was committed to complete the task for which He came to the world. He fought the devil and suffered bravely and finally cries out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46). How committed is your life and mine when we compare it to that of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, what a great and exemplary committed life you lived on this earth. I want to follow your example and follow you in Your footsteps. I commit myself to you. Bless me and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.