THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:9-14
“It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:12)
We no longer observe the Sabbath today, not like we used to.
I remember strict Sabbath observances growing up.
As I recall, most of the emphasis was on what we could NOT do.
There were debates about what constituted work.
But Jesus turns the conversation on its head.
Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, He stresses what we can do.
What if we always focused on doing good.
There would be no day when we were not allowed to do those good things.
Is helping my neighbor rake leaves on the Sabbath good… then it is lawful.
In fact we should really see every day as days for doing good.
Every day God puts people in our path, for whom we can do something good.
A prayer for them, a positive hopeful word, the gift of time or listening.
Giving them assistance, or guidance, or offering to support them.
Every day is a day for doing something good for God and others.
If we all did this our world would reflect the ‘very good’ world He created.
And we could all enter in His rest, enjoying the gift of His goodness.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that You never stopped being and doing good. May my life, and our world, more and more reflect Your goodness every day of the week!
Keep the Sabbath day holy.
The religious leaders then were very legalistic about that law and made many ‘laws’ to be observed. And people still do that today making the Sonday a day of following rules and regulations. Things you can not do.
But the greatest commandment tells us to love God and the second is like it – love your neighbour. Healing on the Sabbath showed that love!
Today we too are free to serve our neighbours not only on the Sabbath but each day of the week. We/I need to take time for the people placed in my path to share His love. I must not only look after my own self-interests but also the interests of others in order to serve.
The JOY principle must be at work each day of the week – Jesus – Others – Yourself.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Give me joy in my heart, I pray;
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Keep me praising till the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King!
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
Give me peace in my heart, I pray;
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
Keep me loving till the break of day:
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
Give me love in my heart, I pray;
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
Keep me serving till the break of day:
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King!