January 7, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12:9-14
OBSERVATIONS
This story follows the previous one, where Jesus has explained that God desires mercy more than sacrifice, ie keeping the Law is not the goal, but obeying the intent of the Law, namely mercy. Jesus points out that if exceptions are made for animals in distress, how much more for humans, of greater worth than sheep?
But the religious leaders care less about people (or sheep) than they do for themselves and their religious pride. They are predisposed to accuse Jesus, to kill Him. Nothing He says will change their minds because their hearts are closed with hate. Selfishness and pride blind us to others, and to God. The more wrapped up we are in ourselves, the more warped we become, and everyone around us suffers.
Jesus is not creating a new law (it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath), He is reaffirming what the Sabbath is all about. It is a gift, intended to blessed people, not burden them. This is true for all that God says. His commands against lying, adultery, stealing, coveting, etc. are not just rules to be obeyed, but things that rob us of the life and blessing He made us for. The Sabbath was not made to keep people from blessing others, but to prevent people from over-working themselves or others.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
Are my spiritual disciplines (like bible reading, praying, going to church) an open blessing or a rigid burden? Am I burdened with guilt in how I do (or don’t do) these things? Do those activities make me a better person, a more loving and kind and helpful person towards others? Do others experience me as a church-goer in a positive way, as a blessing, as a helpful servant, as a loving and kind person?
This is the goal of my following Jesus, to make me more like Him. If I am not becoming an increasingly more loving, kind, gracious, patient person, then I am missing the point, I am out of step with the Spirit (Galatains 5:22-25). In the end what matters is whether my heart is open or closed to Jesus and the Jesus life. If I am open, then I will move in that direction; if I am closed, I will be no different than the religious leaders.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, give me a heart for compassion and mercy, make me religious in the best sense of the word, concerned about others and not just about myself. May others sense in me Your love.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
The Pharisees were again trying to trap Jesus with a Sabbath question. This appears to come on the tails of the previous question where the disciples were eating grain they had picked on the Sabbath. Their question is really, is it permissible to work on the Sabbath is answered with “Yes, it is permissible to do good on the Sabbath. It is the thing to do. To fill a need at the time when a need is seen. There is no time like the present. If there is something I can do, I should not delay for a better time to help, but rather I need to help when the need is noticed.
Jesus heals the man and puts his own life in danger. This is serious stuff. How far am I willing to go for Jesus? Am I willing to do good around me even if it is not popular? Do I defend the underdog? Do I ensure justice where injustice is found?
I pray that I can truly follow Jesus, and be willing and able to serve and fill needs as they come up.
Observations:
Do good.
When? All the time, even the Sabbath.
The religious leaders were looking for ways to bring charges against Jesus and therefore the question. Their hearts were in the wrong place. They were ‘self-seekers’ and not ‘SonSeekers.’
Jesus healed the man’s hand. Hands are for doing and it is in His power we are able to do good.
Application:
It is by God’s grace that we can do good – living the fruit of the Spirit everyday – not just ‘Sondays.’ Am I caught up like the religious leaders thinking only of their own prestige – position of influence among the people. Closed hearts. Arms wrapped around themselves. Self-interets.
Once again I am shown that it is all for Jesus. Open hearts. Open hands. Serving hands and not closed hands or withered(useless) hands. These hands were made for doing – living the Word of the Lord every day of the year. Even ‘Sondays.’ Not to be caught up in the traditions of man.
Prayer:
Lord, make me receptive to Your voice each day and to use each day to serve You. Habe Your way in me, Lord.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.