Text Messages

Text Messages focus on the backstory of the upcoming text for this Sunday’s sermon. Provided by our pastors, these messages will give some background on that section of scripture text and give a few hints about where the sermon might be going. We hope you find these Text Messages helpful!

Sunday, January 26, 2025

SERMON SERIES:
“Radiance, In Plain Sight”

MESSAGE THEME:
“The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me”

TEXT(S):
Luke 4:14–21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

REFLECTION:
From Pastor Chris Enstad

How often have I looked at my cell phone only to realize that someone had texted me earlier in the day, and I had utterly missed the notification “ding” because I was busy or distracted?

In Luke 4:14–21, Jesus reads Isaiah’s promise of good news for the poor and release for the captives, declaring it fulfilled right before their eyes. We can often become so busy and distracted that we miss the miracle appearing right before our eyes. More often than not, the “dings” coming from my phone are alerts about dismaying news happening somewhere in the world or just down the street. It is easy for me to succumb to doom-scrolling or letting news other than the Good News set my mood for the day or the moment. Christ’s radiance, however, frequently shines in our ordinary moments, waiting for us to notice and embrace it.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  • When have you noticed God’s presence in unexpected or ordinary circumstances?
  • This week, how can you share Christ’s liberating message—tangible help, encouraging words or a listening ear?
  • Which news will you let guide your decisions this day?

PRAYER:
Gracious God, open our eyes and hearts to recognize Your light in the everyday. May we discover Your presence in familiar places and share Your liberating love with others. Amen.