begun but incomplete

Then he began to say to them,

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

                                                                                                             Luke 4:21

begun but incomplete                                                                      Erling Shultz, December 2019

Jesus attuned to the prophets before

     articulates His identity and purpose;

               good news to the poor,

               release to the captives,

               sight to the blind,

               freedom from injustice;

Jesus proclaims a done deal upon the hearing

     but it seems far from fulfillment;

               poor are still amongst us,

               captives are still in chains,

               blind still reside in darkness,

               oppressed still experience injustice;

     did I miss the change in plans?

maybe that question is erred in its direction –

          is there expectation of completion?

          do we wish for mission realization?

          who’s responsible for intent implementation?

     (scripture is full of hope

               and there it shall remain,

     (freedom for others

               can fill us with fear,

     (discipleship responsibilities

               are best at mere belief)

I not yet have engaged

     where Jesus declares He misspoke

Jesus’ mission and purpose remains intact –

     still the plan for peace and liberation

          upon our expectation and reception

               (the divine intention

                 awaits on human intervention)

     begun but incomplete

               (personally and/or corporately)