In Luke 4:16-20, Jesus begins His ministry by reading from the book of Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue.
This event is significant because it marks the start of His public ministry and highlights the importance of involving Jesus in our resolutions. Jesus' actions were not random but part of a divinely orchestrated plan, demonstrating the structured nature of Jewish synagogue services. This shows that Jesus' ministry was purposeful and aligned with God's will, setting an example for us to seek divine guidance in our own plans and resolutions.
The concept of the "year of the Lord" mentioned by Jesus refers to a time of divine favour and new beginnings, as established in the Old Testament with the Passover. This signifies a fresh start and a new way of living, which can be applied to our own lives when making resolutions. By involving Jesus in our resolutions, we align ourselves with His mission and purpose, ensuring that our goals are not just self-serving but also spiritually meaningful.
This alignment with Jesus' mission helps us to focus on what truly matters and to seek God's will in our lives.
Jesus' mission on earth as stated in Luke 4:18-19 was to proclaim good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set captives free. His resolutions were centred on serving others and fulfilling God's will. Similarly, our resolutions should reflect a desire to serve and help others, following Jesus' example. By doing so, we not only achieve personal growth but also contribute to the well-being of those around us, making our resolutions more impactful and fulfilling. This approach ensures that our resolutions are not just about self-improvement but also about making a positive difference in the lives of others.
The involvement of the Holy Spirit is crucial in achieving our resolutions. Just as Jesus was empowered by the Spirit to fulfill His mission, we too need the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength to succeed in our goals. The fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, helps us develop a Christ-like character, enabling us to overcome challenges and stay committed to our resolutions.
By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can achieve a deeper level of spiritual growth and transformation, which is essential for lasting change.
Research shows that only a small percentage of people achieve their resolutions, often due to a lack of support and guidance. By involving Jesus in our resolutions, we gain a higher success rate as we align our goals with God's will. Jesus is concerned with our well-being, and His involvement ensures that our resolutions are not only achievable but also beneficial to our spiritual growth. This divine support can make a significant difference in our ability to stick to our resolutions and see them through to completion.
In conclusion, starting the year with Jesus and relying on the Holy Spirit can lead to great success in our resolutions. By following Jesus' example and seeking divine guidance, we can make resolutions that are spiritually meaningful and impactful.
This year, let us strive to involve Jesus in our resolutions, ensuring that our goals align with His mission and purpose. By doing so, we can experience a truly transformative year, marked by personal growth, spiritual development, and a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Let this year be an acceptable year of the Lord, filled with His favour and blessings.
-Teddy Joseph is the pastor at the Stettler and Sedgewick Seventh-day Adventist Church.
