Luke 4:20 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.
Games like soccer and rugby are extremely physical sports and the players are prone to injury throughout the course of the game. Hence the presence of sports doctors and physiotherapists are crucial. While the medical staff treat injury the physiotherapists provide massages to relieve the muscles during halftime. They also perform a tiny warm-up before the game starts to avoid injuries. Most players would need some kind of medical assistance or massages during halftime to recover and get back into the second-half to win the game.
The arrival of the Messiah was marked by miracles and the message of freedom, deliverance and liberty. Until the ministry of Jesus began we did not hear of the blind eyes opening, the deaf hearing and the demons fleeing. As the soccer players require medical assistance on the field, the world needed the Messiah to break the cycle of demonic oppression. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1b). The disheartened and distressed need a Saviour to deliver them. All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” (Luke 4:36). Jesus brought healing to the body, mind, soul and spirit. His touch healed leprosy, His words healed epilepsy and His look healed dyspepsia. Hypocrisy and duplicity could not stand before Jesus the Messiah.
Jesus healed the broken hearted, delivered those who are caught in the vicious cycle of sin and the cruelty of curses.
The birth of Jesus shattered demonic darkness:
1. Message: Halftime pep talks will be around teambuilding and building the self-esteem of the players. They will be praised for what they did right and be advised to correct the mistakes. The gospel is packed with goodnews to help us win the battle. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). The gospel boosts us to keep persevering to win the game.
2. Miracles: The coaches and medical aids are the halftime miracle workers who revitalize the team’s body and morale. The Messiah Jesus was called ‘the Miracle Man’. The miracles of Jesus substantiated Him as the Son of God (Acts 2:22). The miraculous touch of Jesus was like halftime to those who encountered Jesus. The healed blind Bartimaeus and the repented tax-collector Zacchaeus followed Jesus. Miraculous encounters become our halftime.
3. Makeovers: People are never the same once they meet with the Messiah. His message heals the broken heart and His touch transforms the mind. His Word is enough to heal the body.
The birth of Jesus marks the halftime of the world with signs, wonders and miracles.
John 20:30 Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of his followers that are not written in this book.
Prayer: Jesus my Saviour, thank you for the invigorating goodnews that redeems my soul and your miraculous touch that heals my body. Amen.
Leave a Reply