Theme of the Day: Rejection Is Not Proof Of Failure
When you are trying to share some important information with someone, but they refuse to listen or perhaps totally reject what you are saying, it feels like you have failed. This is especially true when someone rejects the gospel! We proclaim the good news because want others to know the love of Christ. When people are disinterested in God’s Word, we feel like we’ve failed.
So, here is this week’s epiphany. Rejection is not proof of failure. Precisely because the gospel is divine revelation, it is guaranteed to be rejected by many. God’s Word offends like an unwelcome diagnosis from the doctor. When someone rejects God’s Word (including us), that rejection is proof that God’s Word powerfully cuts straight to the heart of mankind’s biggest problem—sin. Yet, what causes Jesus’ words to hurt is what gives them power to heal. That reality encourages us to receive God’s Word with joy and to proclaim it boldly to others.
Luke 4:16-30
Isaiah 61:1-6
Acts 4:23-31
Psalm 146A
517 – Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
384 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
738 – The Son of God, Our Christ
905 – Good News of God Above
743 – I Hear the Savior Calling
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we too may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Alleluia.