THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:1-6
“Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4)
Do any of God’s laws prohibit doing good for others?
Goodness is the goal of God’s will for us, the restoration of the ‘very good’ of creation. (Genesis 1:31)
Our hearts should be set on doing good, above all else.
Consider how many times Paul urges Titus to doing what is good:
— “Set them an example by doing what is good.” (Titus 2:7)
— “A people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14)
— “To be ready to do whatever is good.” (Titus 3:1)
— “Careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” (Titus 3:8)
— “To devote themselves to doing what is good.” (Titus 3:14)
Peter describes how Jesus was “anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” (Acts 10:38)
The religious leaders were concerned about obeying laws, not seeking the good the laws pointed to.
Just following the rules does not satisfy God’s heart.
In fact, in Jesus we see that God is angered and deeply distressed by it.
Am I eager and ready to do what is good, devoted to it with all my heart?
This is what moves the heart of God for you, and for all people.
This is what motivated Jesus in His life, death and resurrection.
This is what the Sabbath is all about, restoring goodness to God’s creation.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to look for ways to do good to others today, as one anointed by Your Spirit and Your power. May the creation experience a little more goodness today, because of me.