As Usual

---He went as usual to the synagogue. Luke 4:16 NLT

As usual.

As always.

A repeated, well-established action.

In this instance, Jesus goes to church. To hear God's word. To worship the Father.

I am sure "as usual" could be used to describe how often He went to pray. Or His ability to heal. Or the truth espoused in His speech.

He went.

He made the decision to move forward in His obedience. To step out and do.

For His sake? For the sake of His character? For His Father's glory? It doesn't really matter.

He went as usual.

He had established a pattern of repeated behavior. He had the habit of going.

It causes me to ponder whether this was unusual. Unlikely among men. Whether He was unique in this habit, compared to others.

Or was this merely a model for us to follow?

In our fellowship.

In our feasting upon our Father's words.

In our own prayers.

"He went as usual" feels startling. Unusual. This is God we're talking about! Of course He would go to church!

I love the simplicity of these words. How straightforward they are. There is power found in these letters shoved together. There is purpose. And there is even hope.

How often have I prayed for one thing over and over? How frequently do I attend church or read God's word?

Jesus obviously had attended synagogue faithfully. Only this time, it was different.

This time Truth was exposed.

Here, in that day, in that person, the Son of Man, Jesus, hope was found.

For the poor. The sick. The oppressed.

Jesus, He went as usual to the synagogue, on the Sabbath. But on this day, He proclaims the Lord's favor has come.

The Lord's favor! God with us. Immanuel.

What a gift Jesus extended to all who would listen. God's favor: the presence of Himself.