START UP: Start with the Spirit
In this series, we follow the journey of Jesus as he begins his ministry to see what we can learn as we enter into a new chapter as a Church.
Scripture: Luke 4:14-15
Calling all procrastinators. Today, the question we’re faced with is where do we begin? Oftentimes, just the thought of what is before us is enough to cause us to take a step back and delay moving forward altogether. Maybe we feel intimidated. Perhaps even insecure. In these couple of verses, we see a glimpse into what Jesus’ focus was as he began his ministry. Keep in mind, this is with the realization that once he begins his ministry, there is no going back. These are the first of many steps he will take on his journey toward the Cross. In this way, no matter what lies before us— whether it’s a new job or a new chapter in our families— Jesus demonstrates for us what it looks like to start off on the right foot. He does so by beginning in the power of the Holy Spirit. For some of us, depending on our experience in the church, this may be the most intimidating part of it all. This is why for the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:7-9, the peace of God that we all crave when we’re anxious and overwhelmed is a kind of peace that must be practiced as much as inherited. And the key to this idea is the belief that God is in control even when we’re not. This is why Luke tells us that Jesus, the one who was present at the creation of the universe, allowed himself to be led. Therefore, when we’re uncertain of what lies ahead, it is important for us to remind ourselves of the power of the Holy Spirit which is our life and vitality. The word “Spirit” in both Greek and Hebrew refers to the breath of life that is in every living thing. A helpful reminder in this regard is to take a moment to intentionally breathe. Take that moment to remind yourself of the personhood of the Holy Spirit that comes alongside you as a Comforter (John 14:26) and as your source of strength.
In addition, Jesus also demonstrates for us his priorities as he begins with not just what might seem important or pressing but what is before him. Luke tells us that he begins with the “surrounding country” and this is another reminder for us as we think about how far ahead our thoughts tend to get. Rather than begin with Jerusalem or with the neediest, Jesus begins right where God has placed him and trusts the Spirit’s leading from there. Lastly, as Jesus is led in the Spirit, his foremost priority was in pointing people to the truth of the word. We’re told in verse 15 how it was Jesus’ teaching that amazed the people and caused them to glorify God, ironically, in the presence of God. Indeed, when we consider the pattern of Jesus’ life, his priority was always to begin with the word of God and let the Spirit work from there. We see this in the following stories as every time Jesus attempts to teach or move to his next teaching destination, the miracles we’re often drawn to were really just interruptions he encounter along the way. By this example, we see how important it is to maintain the right priority of God’s word while also being flexible enough for God’s spirit to do the things we might not have thought possible.
Study Questions:
1.) What challenges do we find ourselves putting off or intimidated by in our own lives currently?
2.) What does it look like for you to be Spirit-led on a day-to-day basis?
3.) Take some time this week to practice deep breathing. How does this pattern of living change how you approach your challenges?
4.) What does it look like to prioritize God’s word in your life?
5.) Would you describe your faith as flexible or rigid? How do you handle “interruptions” along your journey?
