November 24, 2021 - Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21

It is early in the morning, and I am sitting at my desk reviewing the activities of Sunday. I am so thankful for the ministry the Lord has allowed us to have the past 40 years! It seems like such a long time ago in Louisiana, while in the Air Force, that I sensed the Lord calling me to be a pastor. The Lord is faithful and worthy of all our praise!

The prophet Isaiah makes a prophetic statement in these verses that speak to the ministry of our Lord Jesus and His ministry. Jesus came to preach, heal, and comfort those that He met. It was a ministry that the Father had ordained Him to accomplish so that mankind could be restored to fellowship with the Heavenly Father.

The Lord Jesus fulfilled this prophecy as He spoke to His friends and neighbors in the synagogue at Nazareth as He proclaimed, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21). Jesus' ministry brought recognition to this prophecy as people were healed and comforted with the message of His Father's love. Jesus Christ was the one Israel was anticipating!

As leaders of the church, we are to accomplish a similar ministry as we follow in His footsteps! As the word of God is proclaimed, believers are challenged in the truths of God's word. I enjoy seeing the Spirit of the Lord work in changing lives spiritually, morally, and relationally.

The Spirit of the Lord has privileged me at times, to console others, exchange beauty for ashes; joy for mourning; a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. This ministry is accomplished, "that He may be glorified" (v.3b). Blessings are abundantly mine as the Lord allows me the opportunity to minister to those, He has called to be His people.

As we move closer to Thanksgiving and take this day to express our thanks to God for His goodness, allow me to thank Him for His people. I thank the people of God who have allowed me the privilege to preach, teach, comfort, and give praise with them throughout my years of ministry.

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!