On our last day in this devotional, we want to show how we as Christians, through the Spirit, can proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Our key question for this text is:

1. What is the acceptable year of the Lord?

In order to understand the significance of this verse, we have to look at the biblical text in Leviticus and the customs the Jews were under at this time. Leviticus 25:8-13 describes the Year of Jubilee, where every fifty years, a trumpet was blown, and through the whole land a proclamation of liberty was given to the Hebrew slaves; debts were forgiven, and possessions were restored to original family members. The acceptable year means the time when it would be acceptable to God to proclaim jubilee to the Jews and give them these aforementioned liberties (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, commentary). The year of the Lord’s favor, as it is also called in different translations, was a year of universal release from person or property (annulling offenses, cleansing people, gaining property). Apart from this year, the Jews had very strict customs they had to adhere to, including purification laws and offerings which they needed to make in order to be in right-standing with God. 

Isaiah spoke of a time in Chapter 61, where the coming Messiah would come to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, prophesying a new day and age where jubilee would be fulfilled, and that fulfillment would be everlasting. This prophecy was echoed by Jesus, the Messiah Himself, as He read these scriptures in the synagogue (Luke 4:18-19) and came to pass (with all of the other 300 prophetic words about Jesus) at His death and resurrection on the cross. As we have already seen from the previous verses, Jesus has received the anointing from the Holy Spirit to: gift the good news to the poor, to heal those with afflictions, to free people from their chains, to heal their bodies and their spiritual blindness, to lift the weights of oppression, and to proclaim true and everlasting freedom – right-standing and favor with God. This is our God! This is Jesus, who died and rose again for us on the cross so that we could experience the richness of this life, casting our cares onto Him, being led by Him, and being co-heirs with Him to push back the darkness, bringing hope. Because of Christ, we can proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord to those who do not know; who have not heard; who do not yet believe. Faith in Christ gives people a different kind of hope, allowing for them to endure their momentary suffering on this earth, strengthening their spirits to persevere, and carrying them through the hardest times while still having hope. This is truly how revolutionary faith in Jesus is – for if one believes, regardless of their chains, their life’s circumstances, their pain, their oppression, they have evidence that 1) there is a God who cares so much about them that He sent His only Son to die on the cross, 2) this Son, Jesus, made a way for them to have access to an all-powerful God who created them and has great plans for them, 3) He has a place set aside for all those who believe where the cares of the world no longer have a toll, where there will be awe and peace and they will get to see Jesus (heaven). 

Regardless of what Satan may have planned in a person’s life, whatever oppression or situation he uses, we as Christians can know that what he [Satan] meant for evil, God meant it for good – and He will turn the situation around for good when we are in Him (Genesis 50:20). Whatever you may be facing today as you are reading this devotional, we want you to know and see how much power there is in the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. You belong to the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords; who created you and who has a plan for your life. You have a purpose and God wants to use you and the gifts He has given you for His glory. Do not be discouraged by your trials, but see how you can find God within them. Allow for the Holy Spirit to embolden you to do good works for Him, sharing the message of the Gospel to those who are hurting around you. Walk with an awareness of your calling and the transformational power your faith has on those around you. Just think: sharing the message of Jesus to someone wanting to commit suicide could save their life. Telling someone who has a shattered heart that there is someone who cares about their heartbreak and wants to mend every piece could be the most comforting words they have ever heard. Speaking to your co-worker who is trapped within addiction about Jesus could break their chains, allowing them to live freely. All of this could happen if we walked with an awareness of His power, the Holy Spirit’s leading, and a willingness to share Jesus with someone. Let’s do so today – and well into the year 2025. Watch and see what kind of miracles can take place!

Let us pray:

Father, you bring new life. Allow the words we have read in this devotional to bring forth new life inside of us, leading us to step out in our faith to impact those around us. Thank you for anointing us to share the Gospel. Thank you for telling us that we are not too small or insignificant but that you want to use us specifically to achieve great works in your name. We love you, Lord, and we will walk with a fresh awareness of who you are and what you want to do in and through us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

A note from Prayer Spring: 

We hope that this seven-day devotional has challenged and encouraged you. We would love for you to share this devotional with anyone who would be encouraged by it. If you encountered the Lord, something spoke to you during this week, or if you have any other comments, we would love to hear from you! You can reach us at reach@prayerspring.com. 

God bless you, and thank you for journeying with us!

–the Prayer Spring Team