Devotional Journal: Reflection on Luke 4:18

What is upon you and for what purpose? Are the things you pursue worthy to chase after? Are the things you strive to obtain worth the labor and toil to obtain? These are questions that will always be asked when you self-examine yourself. We all have something upon us. A spirit that encourages and empowers the things we pursue and do. The question is what kind of spirit and for what purpose. 

How are we to identify what kind of spirit is upon us? This is revealed through what fruit it produces. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do many things. He gives us the ability to proclaim the gospel and freedom, heal brokenness, and recover sight to those who are blind to this truth (Luke 4:18). Bondage and self-sabotage are pressed upon by a demonic spirit. This kind of spirit will encourage your flesh (sinful nature). By nature, the flesh is selfish. It regards not the well-being of others but seeks maximum pleasure for self (Galatians 5:19-21). 

What is upon me and for what purpose? This is a constant tug of war. Some days and seasons are better than others. Lord, help me to recognize when to submit and resist. May I be sensitive to you, Holy Spirit. For wherever you lead me to pursue or do will always be worth it. 

      18       “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, 
      because he has anointed me 
      to proclaim good news to the poor. 
                  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives 
      and recovering of sight to the blind, 
      to set at liberty those who are oppressed,-(Luke 4:18)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.-(Galatians 5:19-21)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2025. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.