Forecasting With Clarity
Jesus' ministry and us
Friends,
A new year has arrived, and I no longer make resolutions. Instead, I prepare a forecast. It is full of thoughts about what may be on the horizon, and what I see happening in the world and its future impact on the planet. My forecast embraces uncertainty and encourages flexibility, especially during these unsettling times. It’s about noticing patterns and trends, without attempting to predict what will happen.
I tend to "learn as I go” and imagine Christ coming alongside, giving me confidence in what God may do in any situation. For me, forecasting is about leaning into God’s presence, wondering what the Holy Spirit might do in our world, and discovering what is within my control and what is not. I must say, it is sobering but also exhilarating because it is Spirit-driven rather than me-driven.
Clarity.
To forecast, I need clarity about my direction and purpose. For centuries, followers of Jesus have defined themselves through prayer, meditating on Scripture, seeking wisdom from others, and patiently listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Personally, I often find it through conflict, false starts in a direction I thought was clear but wasn’t, and surrendering my hopes and dreams to God.
Turning to Jesus, I wondered what gave him clarity and purpose. I went back to the beginning of his ministry. That moment came right after his temptation—forty days of testing that I am sure helped shape his role for what was to come.
The Spiritual Foundation
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and 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 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,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
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. He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’
Luke 4:16-21
Jesus often looked ahead to others' needs. He considered how it would impact his ministry and way of life. For him, foresight and clear purpose went hand in hand. Like a prophet, Jesus understood his calling and let his journey unfold naturally. He was aware of God’s presence and also understood his purpose and mission. And isn’t that what each of us desires: to believe by faith that God is with us while we carry out our work?
For the Coming Year, Think Outside the Box
What if, for the coming year, we thought outside the box? Imagine if, as God’s people, we combined what’s ahead with clarity and stayed grounded in Jesus’ ministry found here in Luke 4. Consider the people and places where you can use your physical presence, financial support, and other talents. Find ways to bring justice to the oppressed and freedom to those in bondage, human trafficking, addictions, or unhealthy and harmful habits.
Don’t be afraid to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Don’t just invest your money in a cause; instead, engage your mind and body by actively and physically working with others. And when you serve somewhere that doesn’t work out? Not to worry. You’ve learned from it, and there’s always something else out there for you to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Look for deeper connections in serving others that visualize these questions and their answers:
Does this make God smile?
Does it bring joy to others?
Even though it may ask a lot from me, am I energized by it?
Find the intersection of what others need and what gives you life and energy. The writer Frederich Buechner stated it beautifully:
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
Prayerfully,
For a fuller and more complete commentary on what Jesus prophetically says here in Luke 4, and our response, check out Russell Moore’s article in Christianity Today: Why Christians Ignore What the Bible Says About Immigrants.
Other news:
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