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Session 3
Devotional
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.Luke 4:18, 19
God doesn’t reveal all the details of his plans but when he is about to change the course of history, he often sends a herald.This week’s carol gives us a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic announcements ever made:Hark! the herald angels sing,
The hillside where this announcement was made was an unlikely place for the angelic army to appear. Just as God’s message comes in unexpected ways, Thirdmill’s materials also find their way to unlikely places through the dedicated work of partners like The Grace Institute. The pastors and leaders they teach in Kagavu, Uganda have some things in common with the shepherds of Jesus’ day. Their water comes from a nearby stream; they cook their meals over an open fire, and like the shepherds, they lack internet. Personal visits are their only connection with the world beyond their village. Prior to the pandemic, these pastors had received ongoing biblical training through biannual teaching visits. However, when the pandemic hit, these visits were suspended. The pastors were distraught because their lives and ministries had been enriched by the relationships fostered through the training events and the valuable information provided. An ingenious solution was devised, which included generators, hotspots, projectors, and Zoom, allowing for live digital conferences held in the shade of banana palms amidst mud homes. Today, whether in-person or virtually, that global reach of the Good News is what Charles Wesley looked forward to when he wrote the carol,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
The Thirdmill lesson, We Believe in Jesus: The Prophet, reminds us that angels aren’t the only heralds in the Christmas story. While the angels were heralds in the sense that they were official messengers bringing the news of Jesus' birth, the word “herald” can also refer to a sign that something is about to happen. Jesus is a herald of God's Kingdom in both senses. He not only proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom, but his birth was a sign that the Kingdom was near (Matthew 3:2). The carol beautifully captures the impact of Jesus incarnation with these words:
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”Light and life to all He brings,
Whether through Zoom that spans continents or through conversations with our next-door neighbors, may we also be heralds of the Kingdom.
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”Personal Application
- Think of someone who played a significant role in introducing you to the Good News of new birth in Jesus. Take a moment and thank God for them. If they are still living, communicate with them to express your gratitude.
- As you read Isaiah 61:1, 2 think about the people you know who may be experiencing poverty, brokenheartedness, captivity, or mourning in their lives. What practical actions can you take this week to fulfill the role described in the passage, like bringing good news to the poor, comforting the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives?
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mournIsaiah 61:1, 2
Watch
Jesus as Prophet