Jesus sets out his mission in Luke 4:18-19, when he reads from the scroll in the temple:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” [NIV]
We can understand that the “good news” was not just addressing the needs of the physically poor and oppressed, but all of us. We are all spiritually poor, and can “see” and know “freedom” as we understand who Jesus is. However, need is obviously seen more acutely by those in physical or emotional distress.
Many charities have a model of sending workers out to work with local people in the developing world, so that projects would be more appropriate, and that there would also be a greater sense of ownership by those receiving the aid. However, often the solutions to problems are still coming from the charity workers. One charity I have heard of, GHNI, use a different approach of encouraging local people to come up with their own solutions. Apparently this is like a light going on for many of them, as they realise that they have the potential to improve things themselves. Their solutions are often simple and effective, being easily maintained and valued by the local community. The power for them to change was just what was said to them.
It is interesting that although Jesus acted in the power of the Spirit throughout his ministry, the main way he was going to empower others was through his words. In John’s gospel, Jesus emphasises this point saying “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63 [NIV].
When I think of the Holy Spirit, the power of words is not what first comes to mind, but rather healings, prophesies, miracles etc, and I’m sure these really help reinforce the message. But perhaps we underestimate the power of words though, both ours and especially Jesus’s.
Today, consider the power of Jesus’ words, and of your words to others. How are you going to use them?
Jon Seaton
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