Early in his ministry Jesus outlined his mission in a kind of mission statement.  He quoted the Prophet Isaiah promising that his presence and activity would result in certain outcomes.  His influence would have impact.  And the impact would be justice, justice in every arena.  Here is the passage from Luke’s gospel.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
      because he has anointed me
      to preach good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
      and recovery of sight for the blind,
   to release the oppressed,
   to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:14-21).

Do you need Jesus to deliver the goods for you today?  If you have a financial need, Jesus brings good news nephew- provision!  If you’re bound by guilt and shame, Jesus brings pardon.  If you are broken, Jesus brings healing.  If you’re pressed, Jesus rescues!  He’s here to announce that today God shines favor on you.

Repeat these words of Jesus for yourself.  Place your own life situations into these promises.  Jesus and his words are alive today just as they were the moment he first spoke them.  Take them to heart and take them back to God as your own.