The Acceptable Year of The Lord

 

  When Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee (Luke 4:14), He  came to a little town called Nazareth, (the place where he grew up). Jesus became very well known because of all the healings and wisdom he spread throughout the land. He would go to the synagogue on the Sabbath and read to the congregation. (Luke 4:16).

  It was on this Sabbath day that He read from the book of Isaiah that was handed to Him. When He had opened the book, He turned to a place where it says: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus was anointed by the Lord to preach the Good News to the poor in spirit.

  It goes on to say in Luke 4:19, "to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. (Luke 4:20). He stopped reading here for a reason. But why? Everyone in the synagogue had their eyes fixed on Jesus as He sat down and then He begins to speak again. "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21). The acceptable year of the Lord. What is it, and what does it mean?

  These scriptures came true today. "It has come to pass." This is known as the "Gap Theory" between the first advent and the second advent. (Isaiah 61:1-3), to proclaim the "acceptable year of the Lord" and the day of vengeance of our God! The first advent is when Christ came as a babe, to "heal the broken hearted," a "lamb led to the slaughter to be crucified" for the sins of the world. (Psalms 147:3). The second advent is when He comes as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" to rule with an iron rod of vengeance. (Malachi 4:1-3).

  We continue in Luke verse 22 where it says; And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? (Luke 4:22). They wondered how all this wisdom and knowledge could be coming from a carpenters son. "They still didn't realize He was the Savior of the world."

  And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. (Luke 4:23). They wanted to see for themselves in His home town; An example of all the miracles and healings He did in Capernaum. "Always needing to prove Himself."

  Now Jesus gives them a truth. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. (Luke 4:24). No one accepts a prophet, or teacher in his own town. (Matthew 13:57, John 4:44). And so it is, you know how hard it is to get people in your home town, or family to listen to you when it comes to preaching the Word. Why? Because they know you to well. Unless you have an impeccable reputation, or some title, chances are they are not going to listen to you. They didn't accept Jesus, why should they accept you. Because they did not accept Jesus at the first advent, most likely many will not accept Him when He returns at the second advent. How are you doing my friend? Will you accept Jesus when He returns?

Keep The Faith,
Barton