“Oh, what a beautiful morning”, he thought. He loved the fall and the turning of the leaves. The fresh, crisp wind blew through his hair. Then there were the colors; the browns, beiges, taupes, and oranges; all beautifully welcoming the dawn of yet another Sabbath. He was glad to be home, especially after what he had just gone through. He was tired, yet there was pep in his step. He always went to church and today was no exception.
Almost immediately, upon entering the building, he was recognized. All were glad to see him, it had been a while. They remembered him as a wee lad, and some wondered if what his mother spoke of him was really true. He called no attention to himself, but acknowledged each person’s recognition of him with a smile. He took his seat with the men, while on the other side of the room, the women marveled and whispered among themselves. He sat quietly as the service began, and seemed to sigh as if to say, this is where I belong.
As the pulpit conductor proceeded, he was drawn to this unassuming man. He had seen him before, but couldn’t recall right away. Then it was revealed to him who this man was. He remembered the prophecy which was ready to be brought forth. He relinquished the podium to the Reader, who calmly approached the stage. All eyes were fixed on him as he opened the book and found the place which read:
“ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
The Reader closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. All eyes were upon him, expecting some sort of explanation. He replied, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” They were aware that he had read from the book of the prophet Isaiah and that he implied it was he of whom it had been written. In essence, he had found himself in the scripture. This was not what they expected, and many did not believe him, questioning his pedigree. Yes he was Mary’s and Joseph’s son, but he was God’s son. Yes he had sisters and brothers; he was to adopt many more. As many as believed on him would he give power to also become sons of God; that they may find themselves in the scripture and fulfill their purpose in the earth, just as he was prepared to do.
And now, every believer becomes the Reader. Smeared on, rubbed on with the oil of the Father, and called to tell the good news to those who have not heard. The Reader exercises due diligence; line upon line, precept upon precept, and stands ready to give an answer to the grace and free flowing favor he has received.
