Close the Book I

Tuesday 13 October
READ: Luke 4: 16 – 20
MORE LESSON: Isa. 61: 1 - 2

There is an interesting lesson that can be learnt from a deep study of the main text for today. The story in this scripture is about Jesus coming to the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown. He read the scripture from the book of Isa. 61:1-2. However, taking a good look at the book of Isaiah 61: 1- 2, which Jesus was reading from in Luke 4: 16, shows us that Jesus didn't read all the portions of that scripture before he stopped and closed the book. The important point I am making today is that Jesus in the book of Lk.4:16–20, which is in the New Testament, was reading an Old Testament scripture which is Isaiah 61: 1 -2, but He stopped halfway and then closed the Book and handed it back to the book-keeper to the amazement of everyone. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him: Luke 4:20 (NKJV). Why did Jesus close the book without finishing the reading? An understanding of the principle behind what Jesus did here holds a great mystery that you can apply for victory in every area of your life.

When we do a comparative study of Jesus' reading in Luke 4: 16 – 20 and the original scripture in Isaiah 61: 1 -2, we will realize that Jesus read everything in that scripture until He got to the portion in Isaiah that reads, ...and the day of vengeance of our God: Isa. 61: 2. He stopped and closed the book without reading this portion. A good theological understanding of this scripture makes us know that at the time Jesus was reading that scripture, He had come to do all that was written in the scripture i.e. to preach the good news , heal the sick, bind the broken hearted, set the captives and the prisoners free but He had not yet come to declare the day of vengeance of God. This is reserved for the time of His second coming. So the reason Jesus stopped reading and closed the Book that day is because the next portion of scripture was incompatible with His destiny as at that time. Jesus knew His purpose and destiny and as He was reading the Book, He got to a point that was no longer in conformity with His destiny and He closed the Book without apologizing to anyone. He did not only do that, He handed the Book back to them. That takes a level of maturity and radical mindset. Jesus would not allow anything that is not compatible with His destiny to be imposed on Him.

Today whatever is happening to you and is not in conformity with your destiny, like Jesus did, you have the right to close the book. Whatever adverse situation has been imposed on you spiritually, financially, relationally (except for married relationship) or financially, if those situations are not compatible with your destiny, end it today. Use your mouth and unapologetically close that book forever.

Prayer/Action
* Ask God to connect you with the book that carries the assignment of your life and empower you to fulfil it.
* Command every handwriting that is against you to be shut down today in the name of Jesus.
* Prophesy against every evil proposal on our destiny closed.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
I am blessed beyond a curse, and I am going beyond limits this month, in the name of Jesus.