An Acceptable Time

Luke 4:17-19, 21

And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

This text references the words found written by Isaiah 61:1-2 so long ago. In fact, these are a direct quote, word for word. Only those familiar with the whole Scripture will know such is only in part. We will get to the in part shortly until all be fulfilled. Certain preachers and theologians today discuss at great length the study of the difference one horrible day to our Lord makes. Maybe you already know what I speak. In plain terms it is the doctrine of salvation. Now you can call it by whatever terms suit your fancy. I agree, it sure is nice to be saved from the devil and from hell. But how many of you should be studying the spiritual doctrine of restoration instead. I know, that is quite a mouthful. Basically, the text is looking at giving back what was lost, unvalued, or taken.

Maybe you are familiar with the promise of God to the years eaten by locusts restore. Now I know it is so easy to get caught up with the locusts and the years that you miss that little word restore. Restore can hold within it several meanings including the idea of being taken back. There is more on that in a minute. Notice the symbolism of delivering to Christ the book of Isaiah. One day at the end, the whole of the sealed scroll will be given him like you would the dog a bone. Now I certainly do not mean to be irreverent nor even funny. I simply mean whatever is delivered him he loses none. Indeed, as Isaiah 53 testifies, he became the fulfillment of the book. From the line, to the text, to the letter, Jesus Christ has it all. Indeed, he must be so familiar with it for this is his life, his Words, and his story. My friends, he wrote the book. This is how come he knows it inside and out. So, it should be no mystery to any that such words are also his to fulfill.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

See how targeted each promise is. I have read many things before and even written a few myself. But never have I ever fully understood the Words of the Lord on this besides a vague someday up in Heaven. So, Mary of John 11:21 understood him on the resurrection when she found her brother died. This is often the case when you and I have been through a few sad realities of life. Sometimes we like the disciples in Luke 24:25 can be slow of heart to believe and understand all that Jesus Christ has been saying. Could it be we need the Lord to walk along beside us as he did with them so long ago. Maybe some of you just need him to show exactly what he means. So, it happened with me. I felt sad and depressed most days about all that had happened to me. But one day I realized that almost everything I had was being restored. See, man promised me the world. God delivered on it. You know how you all want the house, picket fence, spouse, two kids, and the dog. Such things of themselves are not sinful. Now I know a lot of you have met up with the prosperity gospel before. You know how God wants you to be happy, healthy, and most of all wealthy.

Yet that is not really what the Lord says. Look here with me at the categories to whom Jesus Christ has been sent. Here are the poor. Maybe these have been downtrodden by the world and counted out as nothing. How they need the gospel today for therein are found the riches of eternity. Then there are some heartbroken that need a healing from God. Some captives also are found within that need the key to fit into the lock of their chains. How they need the Word of the Lord to tell their situation to set them free. The blind also would like a word. Maybe some have shut their eyes in hopes of seeing no more of this world. God has sent for them to recover it. Finally, we see the bruised. Maybe the situation has left them beaten and battered. Some have jumped off the cliffs by themselves like the demoniac of the Gadarenes. But do they not need some liberty from the Lord as well. See, he can bring you out of your mess, distress, and even your own self. For those sitting on the other side watching them, this word is for you. Imagine the shock to find one day someone that knew nothing, had nothing, saw, or heard nothing suddenly owned everything. My, it is most enough to make some of your blood boil.

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

It is to this state that "the acceptable year of the Lord" has come. How some people and the devil himself would like you to sit down, put up, and shut up. But now it is time to preach the full time of God. For even now is it before you, in your own house. Somebody really ought to shout 'amen.' Yet see, when Scripture comes to pass before your very face, how many will be happy about it. How many will be freed. How many need this Word. Then again, how many will be mad about it. Note the continuing of the fulfillment. He began to say and no matter what, he never finished. He says even to this day how this Scripture must needs be fulfilled in this life, that one, and the other one yet to come. Today is his day of salvation. It is time to swing open the doors and let the captives go free. Let their jailors go also while you are it. For he is speaking to them too. See the fulfillment and the salvation of our God. He will either do it before your face or behind your back. Either way, trust and believe you will hear about it. The redeemed of the Lord will say so, no matter what anyone has to say. Now is the day of salvation. This is the day of the Lord. It matters not how long his day last, whether for a year, or for all eternity. For has it not been found acceptable in his sight.