Mark 3:1-6
“Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”
Mark 3:1-6 NIV
Jesus fights for us. He defends us. He is not going to back down because someone opposes Him. He is not going to give up because someone threatens His life. He is not going to give in because someone puts pressure on Him. Jesus is a fighter, a defender, a protector. He is our champion, Savior and advocate and backs up us up when no one else will. In Jesus, we see the heart of God. He hates dead religion. He hates forms and traditions that get in the way of loving God or loving people.
You see, Jesus was the holiest man in the room. The Pharisees were not holier than Jesus. He was pure. He never sinned. Every thought and intention and feeling of Jesus was submitted to his Father in heaven.
You see, the command of Christ includes the power of Christ. When Jesus tells us to do something, He is ready and willing to help us obey Him.
This man knew he couldn't obey Jesus in his own strength. He knew Jesus would have to help him. And with trust, he determined to obey Jesus Word. As he did, the power of Christ came upon him. Step out! Obey! And the power of God will work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
The truth is, we only have two options. Argue or obey. Rationalize or submit. We can tell the Lord how long we've struggled or how hard we've tried. Or we can end our arguing and set out, in His power, to obey. At that moment, when our hearts are soft and ready to obey, we will discover His new power, new life, and new abilities. Everything we need, He will provide.
Jesus comes for you. With eyes on you, He knows what you need. He knows what you live for. He knows what you live without. He knows what you delight in. He knows what you have had to live through, fight through, pray for and wait for as you seek His face. Jesus is aware of every element of your heart.
In our quest for holiness, we can only improve ourselves so much. We can wash our withered hands and keep them carefully concealed in public. In the end, though, rules cannot save us. The only thing that can restore us is an actual encounter with Jesus. When Jesus tells you to stretch out your hand, the hand you don’t want Him to see, the one you hide from everyone, you do what He says. As the man stretched out his hand, slowly, shakily, his fingers trembled along with his spirit. Suddenly, his hand was whole.
It wasn’t the rules. It was his encounter with Jesus, who blew the rules wide open to pour out healing on one in need.
Sometimes, we berate ourselves for not being good enough or holy enough or smart enough to deserve Jesus. We think if we can just do better at praying, reading Scripture, or being a good person, we’ll be more worthy of His attention. Then we can ask for what we need. We couldn’t be more wrong. Following the rules perfectly will never make us worthy of Jesus love. He already loves us more than we could ever merit. Jesus can look tenderly on the most withered parts of our lives and restore us, if only we are willing to show them to Him.
God promises to heal you, defend you, provide for you, love you, nourish you, equip you and sustain you. We look to this Savior. The One called Jesus who bled and died for humanity’s redemption. This is the Redeemer who we love, honor, respect and cherish with our whole lives. Jesus wants you to be loved like the blessed vibrancy of life that you are. You are His son and daughter. Let Him love you like Heaven does. Jesus comes to mark you with life. Vibrant life!!!
Father thank You for this day and for healing and making our withered lives whole. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord please guide us into Your truth. Lord we want to honor and serve You with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lord we don't want our religious passions to be used to lead us, or cause others to stray away from You. Lord use my friend to be someone’s blessing today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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