20151123 WHAT DO YOU SEE?

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Matthew 12:9-13 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue,  (10)  where He noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?" (They were hoping He would say yes, so they could bring charges against Him.)  (11)  And He answered, "If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would.  (12)  And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath."  (13)  Then He said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!

Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees is reminiscent of Solomon’s answer to the two women arguing over a living baby. (1Kings 3:16-25)

It had been prophesied the Jesus would be wise. Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Not only is He wise but He is compassionate. The Pharisees only see the potential of someone breaking one of their rules. Though the Sabbath laws are pretty particular the Pharisees had added to them making the Sabbath a burden instead of a rest. But Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath sees the man with the withered hand. He sees the opportunity to give this man a blessing of rest that will remove the yoke of oppressive begging, and return him to the work force. He is giving Him a new yoke, a fitting yoke.

Before presenting the blessing He answers the Pharisees, silencing them with His wisdom. In His answer there is so much more. I repeat myself, but please grasp this. Whether you are the one ignored because of rules, or the one ignoring others because of rules… Jesus sees the man as a man who has worth. In God’s sight you have worth and those around you have worth.

Do you see others? Do you see the hurting? Are you in such a hurry, or so agenda driven that you miss the opportunities to bless those around you? Dallas Willard said, “Arrange your days so that you experience total contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God.” Do you pack your days so full that any interruption, or “chance meetings” (God moments) would be frustrating?

I would be remiss not to point out that Jesus gave the man with the withered hand a part in his healing. Some will read this and say, “Yeah, you people should see me and help me.” Jesus never encourages laziness nor a refusal to work. And Paul takes it a step further, saying "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat." (2Thess 3:10b)

Father in heaven, as we look at our calendar and plan our day remind us to leave breathing room, that is room for contentment, joy and confidence in You. Open our eyes to see, really see those around us who need a compassionate word or a helping hand. Grant us wisdom, health and strength to accomplish what must be done. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

20151105 PRAISE AND APPROVAL

PRAISE AND APPROVAL

Matthew 11:16-19 "To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, (17) 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't mourn.'  (18)  For John didn't spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.'  (19)  The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by its results."

I’m so glad that Jesus is a friend of sinners. That means He is my friend… OH HALELLUJAH!!!

I believe the main point He is making here is that some people will never be satisfied. They will set themselves against you and no matter what you do they will find fault. So, you must follow the path of wisdom. That path begins with the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Jesus says this in John 5:44 No wonder you can't believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don't care about the honor that comes from the One who alone is God.

How important to you is the praise and approval of men? If you will be wise and choose to live to please God the results will be wonderful. Just don’t attempt to please Him to gain salvation. That is His gift to you. Strive to please Him out of love for Him.

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of salvation You so freely give. Grant that we would truly understand our position with You in Christ. And may we live for You out of pure love for You. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!