Snapshots remind us of times past. They rekindle memories and create opportunities for sharing stories.
Those who have experienced God before us provide snapshots of God’s love for us. This love speaks through their words. It speaks through their actions.
As different as their lives and cultures were from ours, God’s love remains the same. Love speaks to us on our darkest days and in our brightest hours. Love speaks to us through stories and snapshots. Love speaks to us through actions and words.
Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’”
Luke 4:21-23
One of the more emotional nights for American Idol contestants is when the final three return home to a hero’s welcome. There are parades, concerts and lots of clamoring about “knowing her when.”
Jesus returned to Galilee, his home, to begin his public ministry. Not much was expected of Jesus, a carpenter’s son from Nazareth. As he taught, people liked him even more, and the surprise turned to joy. He shared words with them that many thought they were ready to hear.
Jesus was one of their children. This was his hometown. They knew his father and mother. The stories of healing in other places were shared among them. Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah and told them what God’s love was about, to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, relief to the oppressed, and proclaim God’s goodness in the year of the Lord.
Our call is to embody this love as followers of Christ. That was a big task then. It still is today.
Brian Foreman
God of all, Isaiah first challenged your people and Jesus issued the challenge for a new covenant. Each time we hear these words read, we are reminded to do the same. Amen.
You are God’s.
You are loved and known.
Let love speak to you.
Let love speak through you.
Amen.