“…He entered into the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they were watching Him to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, in order that they might accuse Him” (Mark 3:1-2).
When reading the gospels, it doesn’t take long to see Jesus facing opposition. In the process of healing and helping the needy, another group asserts itself.
“And He said to the man….’Rise and come forward!’ …(to His accusers) He said, ‘Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?’” (v. 3-4)
Seems like an easy pop quiz. What follows the heart of God? I’m guessing “doing good and saving a life.”
“But they kept silent. And after looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand’” (v. 4b-5).
Then Christ Jesus, the Power of God, did a gracious thing: He made the man’s hand whole. God’s Servant, who the Bible calls Faithful and True, chose to do good on the Sabbath. The Lord of the Sabbath and our Great Physician was not intimidated by powerful men. He knew what He came for and why He was sent. He came to restore.
In this New Year, what do you need Jesus to restore? In spite of men (anyone with hardened hearts), how can you ask the Son of the Most High to help you? What is withered—a relationship, a physical infirmity, or possibly your own hard heart? He can, if we let Him. Stretch out your hand. Don’t be like Jesus’ accusers. Notice their response:
“And the Pharisees went out and immediately began taking counsel with the Herodians (those from King Herod) against Him, as to how they might destroy Him” (v. 6).
It’s easy to tell those with hardened hearts. They can’t appreciate a miracle when they see one. They want to destroy the source of it.
Prayer of Restoration
Father, God, let us look to you this New Year with humble hearts and come forward with our need. We confess the times we’ve done harm to another and know that this has also harmed our own hearts. Soften us. Reveal those areas You want to restore. Help us to stretch out our (______). Let us not be concerned what others may think. And silence our accusers.
In His Hand
“I have a Maker;
He formed my heart.
Before even time began,
My life was in His hand.
Chorus
He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls,
And hears me when I call.”
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