In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaims the good news of God, “The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Jesus talks about “the kingdom of God…” over 100 times in the Gospels! But I don’t think Jesus was coming to start a new religion. I think he was coming for spiritual transformation of his people.
In Luke 4:14-21, Jesus fulfills the prophesy in Isaiah 61:1,2;
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
Because he has anointed me,
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners,
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus emphasizes healing, freedom, and release using the metaphors of brokenhearted, captives, and prisoners.
Where in your life do you need healing, freedom, and/or release from anything that is “binding” you?
Brokenhearted
Are you brokenhearted? When we experience trauma, our hearts become broken. We develop ways to cope. We may become angry or controlling. In these times, Jesus wants us to be whole and live in peace. When I was abused as a child, my heart was broken. At the time, I didn’t understand. I was angry and I acted out in school, but I soon learned of ways to cope. Just a few years ago, I realized Jesus had exchanged my sorrow for love. (If you get a chance read: “The Cherry Tree” from the Peaks archives.) I am on a healing journey to be transformed by the love of Jesus.
Captives
Have you ever experienced a traumatic situation where someone did something to you against your will? Do you feel captive to your emotions? Jesus wants to “bind up” these emotions and set you free. Jesus wants to meet you where you are, in your deepest hurt and tell you that you are His Beloved!
Prisoners
Have you ever done something you regret? Are you a prisoner to an event that happened in your life? If you’re dealing with guilt and/or shame, you are imprisoned by these emotions. Jesus offers freedom and release from these emotions. He will exchange your mistakes for His love and grace.
Your invitation in God’s Kingdom is to receive from the transforming and restoring love of the King. All you have to do is believe, receive, and participate. This seems easier said than done! But when I participate in a relationship with Jesus, I believe that he loves me and wants to bless me.
Have you ever experienced a spiritual moment in time when everything changed for you? Jamie Winship says this is a “kyros” time; like Moses at the burning bush or Peter walking on water. It is a time when you know the kingdom of God is right here, and you can touch it and feel it. For me, the cherry tree, was my “kyros” moment; a point in time when I knew that God saw me and loved me.
God is for you! He is crazy in-love with you!
Cindy
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