Luke 4:14-15
Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
When General Douglas MacArthur was run out of the Philippines during WWI in 1942, he made a rash statement which would later be proven to be truth. His words? "I came through, and I shall return". With the power of the US Army, Navy and Marines behind him, McArthur would return to this island in victory to liberate the Philippines in October 1944.
Today's text says Jesus also returned, and in a sense he too came to bring liberty to those in captivity. Returning to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, Jesus began to preach the good news, that liberty from sin is available to all who would believer. This message was certainly good news to a people who were overcome by the guilt of a life apart from God and worn out from trying to get on God's good side by living a moral life. No one was up to the task, and no one will ever be.
The good news for believers today is that the Spirit's touch is also available to return us in power. Not to a home region in Israel, but to the man of Galilee, Jesus Christ. God never wants his own to live apart from their Savior, and when we've wandered off in sin, God calls us back in the power of the Spirit, calling us to return to Christ's open arms.
In the account of the Prodigal Son, the younger son ultimately returns in humility to his father, confessing his sins and unworthiness. I believe he returned according to the touch of the Spirit. Our Lord has always about the return. Whenever we've gone astray, the Spirit is gently calling us to return.
Maybe you're somehow convinced that God will not accept your return. Maybe your sin have been heinous and you even now struggle to like yourself, much less believe God would love you. If this defines you, look to the Spirit. He will return you in power when you humbly bow before the Lord.
LORD JESUS
May I always be open to following you in returns – when I've sinned, wandered away, or neglected our relationship together – invite me to return. Amen.
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