February 16, 2023 — “The Most Loved of All Books”

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”  Luke 4:16-22

“I can’t think of a more powerful moment for a synagogue worshiper! The scroll is unrolled. The Scripture is read. Then, with breathless wonder, the words are heard: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, …” and “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke wants us to know that Jesus’ ministry is Spirit-anointed, Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-fulfilled. Jesus’ actions are connected to God and to the Old Testament promises by the Holy Spirit. Because of the work of the Spirit, deliverance will come at the hands of this Jesus who ministers to outcasts. His ministry is no accident; it was prophesied by the Spirit. So what’s there to learn for us in this? Ministry must be led by the Spirit and be consistent with the promises of Scripture and the example of the Savior. Clearly, in Jesus’ case, that requirement means ministry is about deliverance, grace, and reaching outcasts. How does our ministry compare?” (heartlight website; What Jesus Did!)

There are many places today where the bible is not welcome – and there are plenty of people who have never read the bible. I was talking to a woman the other day about a service for her deceased mother, and I asked her if they wanted a particular scripture passage read at the service. She told me she had her mother’s bible, and then she exclaimed: “The bible is really hard to read – I feel stupid reading it.” And I said, “The bible is hard to read, but that is why we need to keep on trying.”

I know the statistics say that the bible is the best-selling book of all time, and yet, I find it funny how many people have never read it. People have a copy in their home, perhaps it was given to them as part of an estate sale – and yet they have not read it, cracked it open, or even tried because, like my friend listed above, they feel stupid trying to understand it. But we cannot learn to appreciate what is in the Bible by staring at it – or keeping it locked away in a drawer.

My friends, we need to become more Biblically literate so that we can help others become Biblically literate. There are so many translations and Study Bibles printed today that everyone should be able to find a copy that speaks to them – if not is understandable to them. If you are having trouble finding a version of the Bible that is helpful and understandable, just ask your pastor for some help.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, we so often block the Holy Spirit through our own fear. Help me feel the Spirit today so I will read and meditate on your word. Amen.

Pastor Dave