“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:21

There are plenty of wonderful quotes about today.

“You cannot escape the responsibilities of tomorrow by evading it today.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.” – Will Rogers

“Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.” – Joan Rivers

Most quotes about the idea of “today” emphasize appreciating the moment and taking advantage of time we are given.  In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks often of today.  In fact, this past Sunday’s scripture included one of Jesus’ “todays” (see the verse above).  However, his “today” quotes point to more than appreciation and action.

“Today a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – 2:11

“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – 4:21

“Today salvation has come to this house” – 19:9

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” – 23:34

In the Gospel of Luke, today is a moment of amazing transformation.  Each “today” verse speaks of radical change.  These changes are brought about by an encounter with Jesus.  The change may involve a transformation of perspective (see the shepherds, Luke 2).  The change may reorient priorities (see Zacchaeus, Luke 19).  The change may trade despair for comfort and hope (see the condemned, Luke 23).

Today holds more than we could ask or imagine and truth be told, this can sometimes be scary.  We may avoid the transformations held within today by clinging to past.  The shiny gleam of the “good, ole days” can prevent us from seeing what God is doing in the here and now.  Or we may avoid the work of today’s transformation by getting lost in sublime somedays.  Dreaming of what God will do someday can keep us from getting involved in the work of resurrection today.

“Yesterday may appear glorious.  Tomorrow may seem glamorous.  But today is God filled.” – Anonymous

The Holy Spirit inhabits today.  This means that today is bursting with possibility.  The spirit of God is inherently creative and life giving.  The scripture says that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  The Holy Spirit inhabits today.  Wherever the Holy Spirit is you can find the finger prints of the spirit, or what Paul calls the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Today God is with you.