Empowered by the Word: Living as Jesus Did

Empowered by the Word: Living as Jesus Did

April 12

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus emphatically declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" (Luke 4:18). He continues by announcing his mission to heal the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for captives, and restore sight to the blind. By doing so, Jesus sets a powerful example of divine mission and identity, culminating in his assertion, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21).

Jesus' profound connection with Scripture underpins his ministry. He not only read and knew the Bible intimately but also lived by it - He is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14), and He found his purpose and identity within its texts. His life was a testament to the living Word, and he used his understanding to proclaim truths about himself and his mission.

Similarly, as followers of Christ, we too are called to engage deeply with Scripture. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we inherit the promise of empowerment through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perform works in His name—such as healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead, as Jesus did.

The importance of Scripture in our spiritual journey cannot be overstated. The Bible is more than a historical document; it is the living Word of God, active and powerful in our lives today. The apostle Paul teaches us that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). This means that our faith grows and strengthens through continuous interaction with the Word.

Moreover, Jude 20 emphasizes the enhancement of our faith through prayer, particularly using what some refer to as a 'prayer language,' which aids in building up our spiritual resilience and capability. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, meditating on its truths, and declaring its promises, we align ourselves with God's will and power.

The Scriptures serve as our direct line to God's teachings and promises. Hosea 4:6 warns, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This underscores the necessity for believers to not only read and study the Bible but also deeply understand and internalize its teachings. It is through this profound engagement that we are equipped to manifest God's power in our lives — restoring our soul, bringing healing, and overcoming sin.

This powerful tradition of scriptural engagement invites us to not only read and meditate on the Word but to see ourselves within its narratives, discovering our role in God's ongoing story. As we delve into the Bible, let the Word of God inspire and transform us, enabling us to do as Jesus did and impact the world in His name. Let us then open our Bibles with reverence and expectation, ready to be taught, corrected, and empowered, as we live out the faith that has been so richly handed down to us.