May we all be messengers of God’s love in word and action.

(Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” on YouTube by clicking HERE)

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Luke 4:42-43

At Daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

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Jesus knew his purpose.

I’m thinking he came to this knowledge through the time he spent in deserted places in prayer.

He had to go off by himself, clear a quiet space, and commune there in spirit with God.

This was how he came to truly know himself and his mission.

And what was that mission?

As he stated: to “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.”

And what was this good news?

Jesus had earlier quoted the prophet Isaiah when he said specifically what the kingdom of God was about: bringing glad tidings to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and freeing the oppressed (Luke 4:16-19).

The good news was that we are all one in God, that God loved all people equally…even those who had been rejected and placed in bondage.

Jesus demonstrated God’s love through the compassion he showed to those in need and by healing them of their illnesses.

Jesus welcomed all people. But those who held the power did not welcome him.

They were threatened by his words and actions.

Eventually…this led to the crucifixion.

We are called to follow Jesus.

Following means more than simply having a private practice of rituals and obligations.

It means taking action on behalf of those in need. 

It means actively standing up for the poor and vulnerable and also for all of God’s creation.

Who are those in need of hearing and receiving the good news this day…through you?

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Listen to the song of the day “Mercy Reigns” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!