Encouraging Word
In Luke 4:18, Jesus describes the power of the Gospel. We know the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered humanity to seek, serve, and save the lost. Jesus said the Gospel can be described in five ways: spiritual proclamation to the poor; spiritual healing; spiritual freedom; spiritual sight; and spiritual comfort. Let’s dig into Luke 4:18 KJV, “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…”
1. Spiritual Proclamation. “To preach the Gospel to the poor.” The definition of poor here means not to have your needs met. Philippians 4:19 NIV says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God can meet your every need.
2. Spiritual healing. “He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.” Only God can heal a broken heart. He indeed is the Great Physician who brings spiritual healing.
3. Spiritual freedom. “To preach deliverance to the captives.” In John 8:36 NIV, Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Only Jesus can deliver us from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:23).
4. Spiritual sight. “Recovering of sight to the blind.” Jesus is the light of the world, and the Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts, teaches us spiritual truth, and gives us spiritual sight.
5. Spiritual comfort. “To set at liberty them that are bruised.” Jesus understands what it is like to be beaten, battered, and broken. He offers comfort and encouragement.
Only the Gospel can overcome evil and minister to our hurts and struggles. So be encouraged and allow the power of the Gospel to permeate your life. In doing so, you will never be the same!
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
