For People
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has
anointed me to preach good news to the poor.”
Isaiah 61:1
Some statements and quotes not only stick with us, but they open up a train of thought that leads to a fresh understanding of the heart of God. That happened to me recently when I read this quote from Lloyd Ogilvie, “The power of Pentecost is for people.” My first thought went to the verse above that Jesus quoted in the synagogue at Nazareth. Breaking it down brought out a common thread that runs though Isaiah’s prophecy:
· “…to preach good news to the poor”
· “…to bind up the brokenhearted”
· “…to proclaim freedom to the captives”
· “…to release from darkness the prisoners”
· “…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”
· “…to comfort all who mourn”
· “…to provide for those who grieve”
· “…to bestow beauty for ashes”
· “…to give the oil of joy instead of mourning”
· “…to give a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”
What was so abundantly clear was that the heart of God beats with a passion, not for programs or buildings, but for people. God sends the anointing and gives wisdom to see people just like you and I, our family, friends and neighbors, comforted, delivered, healed, strengthened, and given hope and purpose. God sent His only Son into the world to die for people, to give men and women the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
What we can expect in our own lives, as God molds us into the image of His Son, is that more and more our hearts will be re-focused from possessions to people; that we will be filled with a desire to see their burdens lifted and hurts healed, their needs met and fears released, and, most importantly, their salvation assured. “The power of Pentecost is for people” is just a reflection of a God of love, One who calls His people to love one another as He has loved us.
God Bless,
Pastor Joe
Gateway Church
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