Culture Changers

Luke 4:18-22 “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 favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.

These words were read by Jesus from scripture that the Jewish culture he was in knew. However, at the reading of Jesus, this known passage would come to life and take on a whole new meaning. They had no idea that the Messiah was going to encounter them and change the world around them. He was about to invade a culture hungry for hope and change it forever. He is still changing culture today and asking for men and women to be used by him to do the same.

Jesus was full of the Spirit of God and when He taught scripture it became alive. Some had heard these scriptures for years and suddenly new understanding came. Others, may have never known these Holy words yet their hearts burned with them, knowing what was being spoken was true. The Spirit within us testifies to the truth, it challenges a culture of sin and brings the light of truth and convicting power of Christ.

We are to be architects of our world and to shape it for the glory of God. Jesus didn’t come into this world to go with the flow, in fact he caused a scene wherever He went, but the purpose and outcome was to point to God and give glory to the King of Kings. He proved the validity of scripture through His life, miracles and signs, salvations and revelation poured out of Jesus and thus people were changed. Jesus promised us that same power and our privilege is simply to be close to the Holy Spirit, full of the Word of God for it’s the truth that sets us free. Then to go out and change the world for Jesus, to bring life to death. To set the captive free, heal the sick and do all to point to salvation in Jesus. If we are to be like our Savior, then changing the culture around us for Christ is the best way to start.

Pastor Natalie Snider