In Jesus Christ, all of the things prophesied by Isaiah will come to pass. There is a radical paradigm shift in these words of Jesus. No longer would it be said, "When the Messiah comes, there will be no more suffering." Now it is said, "Where there is suffering, there is the Messiah." Jesus indicated that the messianic ministry which was being played out in him would not fulfill normal expectations. It would not be political. It would not be one of vengeance upon Israel's enemies. Instead, God's Spirit would be upon Him to preach good news to the poor. Jesus was not merely a miracle man, He came to preach the Good News.

We like to spiritualize that and to say that Jesus is referring to people who are spiritually poor and indeed He is. But, difficult as it is for us to hear in all of our affluence, it is those who are lacking in this world's goods who tend to be the most open to hearing the message of Jesus.

Jesus would proclaim freedom for the prisoners. There is a flowering of prison ministries in our day, particularly since Chuck Colson founded Prison Fellowship. Many in prison who have come to Jesus Christ testify, "I know a freedom I never thought possible, even though I am in prison."

Jesus' messiahship also entailed advocating for justice and proclaiming release for those who had been oppressed.

Jesus said that the words of Isaiah were fulfilled in the hearing of His listeners in Nazareth. Whoever said that must be a liar, or He must be crazy, or ... He must be who He claimed to be. (Mark A. Johnson)

Fourth Sunday of Epiphany (C)

Sunday, February 1, 1998

A Prophet's Call and Mine

Jeremiah 1:4-10

At first glance this text may be thought to have the exclusive purpose of providing background information on the prophet, Jeremiah. In actuality this text tells us more about God than it does about Jeremiah. God calls His prophets and believers (as prophetic people) to proclaim His Word to their generation.

I. God's Word and His Messengers (vv. 4-5)

The primary element in God calling forth His prophetic people is locked in verse four. Jeremiah recounts that the Word of the Lord came to him. Without the Lord speaking and sending His Word, there is nothing worth proclaiming. Human creations are but chaff without the creative Word of God which is life. The heart of God's activity is His self revelation in sending His Word. His Word is in great contrast to the broken world of fallen humanity. His Word is hope, life, presence, power, it is miraculous.

God's Word is not sent to angelic messengers but it is entrusted to human beings. He is very specific in regard to who will proclaim His Word. He maintains absolute sovereignty over His Word and the choice of His messengers.

There is no hint of fate or chance. He makes no sloppy mistakes. He carefully chooses His messengers before He gives them human form in the womb of their mother. He sets them apart for their task before their birth. He is the authority who appoints them to nations which may reject them.