Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God
has taken control of me!
The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
BibleStudyTools.com
defines the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o) as a Greek
verb that means “to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks”. Author
Ann Voskamp used “eucharisteo” as the theme of her book, One Thousand Gifts.
I am reading this book now and discovering how Voskamp found gratitude
and thanks – and praised God – in even the smallest of things...”clean
sheets smelling like wind...hot oatmeal tasting like home...bare toes in
early light*.”
In this context, we can also find
eucharisteo...we can learn to be grateful to God for His presence in the
seemingly inane moments of our day...as well as those we deem to be
“huge”! In light of this scripture passage from Isaiah, the
“eucharisteo” moment came for me when the prophet says, “The Lord has chosen and sent me...”
Commentaries maintain that Isaiah was talking about himself as a
prophet...OR that this foretells the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18, which
begins...” The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen
me...”
I believe that this verse applies to those of us who are
Disciples of Christ, as well. I don’t mean to sound arrogant – or to
claim that I can literally perform the miracles of Jesus. But aren’t we
called to “tell the oppressed the good news?” Doesn’t God call on us
to minister to others and “heal the brokenhearted?” Aren’t we
commissioned to let others know that freedom is possible from whatever
binds them and holds them captive?
Opportunities for
eucharisteo abound for each of us...but do we recognize them? We say
that the Holy Spirit has taken control of us...but do we demonstrate His
love and care in our own lives? If we were more aware of God’s
presence in the small things of our day, wouldn’t we live with more
purpose and intention? Do you look for the opportunity to serve as
God’s agent as you attend classes, shop for groceries, prepare meals and
feed your children, do your job, care for a loved one, or interact with
family members and friends?
I’m not talking about literally
preaching the Gospel...reciting scriptures...praying aloud...or other
demonstrations we typically consider when we hear the words “witness” or
“ministry”. Your body language and overall attitude and
demeanor...whether you smile at others and appear pleasant and
approachable...your attention to small details...your level of
thoughtfulness - all of these things speak to your character as a
Christian. They represent your “eucharisteo” for all that God has done
for you.
When I reflect on my life, there are times when I wish
I had more fully realized my “mission” and demonstrated it to others. I
wish I had more fully recognized the “ministry” in my responsibilities
as a teacher of young children and “loved on them” even more in the name
of Jesus. I now realize how profoundly He was there with me, using me
to touch these little hearts and minds each day...but oh, how I wish I
had recognized my part in this more. I would have loved a little
deeper, held them a little closer, lingered a little longer over their
stories, pictures, songs, recitations, giggles and tears. In short, I
would have paid closer attention to the small moments and shared in
their savoring and nurture.
For me, this is today’s lesson. God has chosen
us to be His...with intention and purpose. We have a mission to
accomplish for Him...to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us to
share His good news...to heal the brokenhearted by demonstrating His
grace, love, mercy and forgiveness...and to express hope and freedom
from the things that bind and enslave us – through salvation in Jesus
Christ. It’s a tall order...but nothing less than what we should expect
from the One who honored and blessed us with His choosing.
Where
does God want to use you today? Are you living with intention and
purpose...and with “eucharisteo”? Do you recognize your mission and
your ministry? Are you so caught up in the big picture that you have
neglected the smaller things that truly matter? Will this be the day
you begin to change your focus? Are you ready to slow down, pay closer
attention...and give God your very best? Are you ready to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
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