Emboldened By The Spirit To Make Lasting Change
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 8
Luke 4:14–44 (NIV)
By Lynn Lau, Honorary Treasurer, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 4:14–44 (NIV)
Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit” when he was led into the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the evil one. He overcame testing and temptation with the power of the Spirit. So must I seek to overcome the daily tests and temptations at home, at work and in all aspects, with the power of the Holy Spirit, not relying on the power of myself, and dying to myself to gain Him.
After Jesus overcame, He returned in the power of the Spirit. The testing and temptation had now prepared Him, and He had a new level of manifest authority. Just like Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”. The overcoming of the testing and temptation enabled Joseph and Jesus to get to the next level of faith, and obedience with God.
I should therefore look forward to overcoming the daily testing and temptation. Not with complaint that it is too hard, too much, but to brave it knowing that the power of the Holy Spirit is upon me.
When these tests could be decisions which could cause potential rejection, Jesus was not afraid to make the unpopular stand. So must I be unafraid of potential rejection. In fact, the Holy Spirit’s power gives us a way out even in the face of rejection or persecution. Jesus was driven out of Nazareth and the people wanted to throw him down the cliff. Yet, he passed through them and went away, in supernatural power! So it will be with us, as we are imitators of Christ and empowered by the same Holy Spirit!
What does the Lord require of me this Lent?
• To ask for the Spirit to be upon me, and be unafraid of earthly circumstances because the Spirit is upon me.
• To proclaim good news to the poor (which is everyone who does not know Jesus).
• To proclaim liberty to the captives (which includes colleagues and friends in emotionally challenging situations and who feel trapped by their circumstances).
• To recover sight to the blind (which includes people around us who see no hope and future).
• To set at liberty those who are oppressed, by changing the systems and culture around us, to give dignity and hope to those who do not have it.
Jesus’ sacrifice redeems us from our dire circumstances that arose from sin. His sacrifice causes us to seek liberation, restoration, equity, and trust in God.
Starting with small actions daily, I seek change that will bring about jubilee on earth every day.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- What are you afraid of, and which you haven’t entrusted to Jesus?
- What are you reluctant to do, while knowing you should, because you haven’t yet been willing to surrender to Jesus?
- What does the Lord require of you this Lent? What systematic and cultural changes can you make at your workplace, your ecosystem and your industry—to bring liberation, restoration, equity and jubilee on earth?
