Mark 3:1-6: In this passage, Jesus is in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and there is a man with a shriveled hand present. The Pharisees are watching Jesus to see what He will do. Jesus calls attention to the man and asks the Pharisees "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" The Pharisees didn't answer and Jesus became angry and greatly distressed at their stubbornness. He healed the man's hand, and the Pharisees went on their way plotting how to kill Jesus.
There are three characters in the story: the man with the shriveled hand, Jesus, and the Pharisees. The thoughts I have will center mainly on the man and the Pharisees. I found it interesting in reading this passage that Mark does not state that the man came to Jesus for healing; he was just "there." Maybe he was there out of curiosity or maybe he was hoping Christ would heal him, but he didn't want to make a big deal of it; I don't know. Both Mark and Luke mention Christ telling the man to get up in front of everyone. I think Jesus wanted to make sure there was no question about the healing of this man, and He was trying to get a point across to the Pharisees. After Jesus questions the Pharisees, and they remain silent, He heals the man's hand.
This is one of the few times the Pharisees, who always seem to have something to say, stood silent. Their hearts were so stubborn, they weren't willing to admit that Christ was right. They were so focused on obeying their rules and regulations they lost sight of God's heart. They chose to concentrate on nit-picky details to try to find fault with Christ. They were willing to allow this man with the shriveled hand to continue in his suffering instead of admitting Jesus was right.
How often am I so set in my ways that I am unwilling to budge even if deep down, I know I'm wrong? Instead, I stand my ground and try to find whatever little negative detail(s) I can to help me feel better about standing my ground. How often do I leave someone "suffering" because they believe or act differently than I think they should or because I don't think they deserve Christ's mercy? Who am I to make that judgement?
On the other side of the coin, there is the man with the shriveled hand. I'm sure it was difficult for him to live what we might consider a quality life. I would imagine his hand may have caused him some pain as well. In this study, Rick Warren raises the question "Are you incapacitated in any part of your life?" I'm beginning to notice a central theme that God is speaking to me through this study, and when I really stop and think about it, it scares me to death. Whatever it is will require me to get out of my comfort zone, and for an introvert like me, that is very difficult to do. However, I can't let that fear of the unknown incapacitate me and keep me from accomplishing what God has planned. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." In Philippians 2:13, Paul tells me that God is working in me "giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."
I need to take hold of the power God gives me and stop allowing my fears, insecurities, addictions, stubbornness, or whatever else may be incapacitating me, to stifle me in following through with what God calls me to accomplish.
There are three characters in the story: the man with the shriveled hand, Jesus, and the Pharisees. The thoughts I have will center mainly on the man and the Pharisees. I found it interesting in reading this passage that Mark does not state that the man came to Jesus for healing; he was just "there." Maybe he was there out of curiosity or maybe he was hoping Christ would heal him, but he didn't want to make a big deal of it; I don't know. Both Mark and Luke mention Christ telling the man to get up in front of everyone. I think Jesus wanted to make sure there was no question about the healing of this man, and He was trying to get a point across to the Pharisees. After Jesus questions the Pharisees, and they remain silent, He heals the man's hand.
This is one of the few times the Pharisees, who always seem to have something to say, stood silent. Their hearts were so stubborn, they weren't willing to admit that Christ was right. They were so focused on obeying their rules and regulations they lost sight of God's heart. They chose to concentrate on nit-picky details to try to find fault with Christ. They were willing to allow this man with the shriveled hand to continue in his suffering instead of admitting Jesus was right.
How often am I so set in my ways that I am unwilling to budge even if deep down, I know I'm wrong? Instead, I stand my ground and try to find whatever little negative detail(s) I can to help me feel better about standing my ground. How often do I leave someone "suffering" because they believe or act differently than I think they should or because I don't think they deserve Christ's mercy? Who am I to make that judgement?
On the other side of the coin, there is the man with the shriveled hand. I'm sure it was difficult for him to live what we might consider a quality life. I would imagine his hand may have caused him some pain as well. In this study, Rick Warren raises the question "Are you incapacitated in any part of your life?" I'm beginning to notice a central theme that God is speaking to me through this study, and when I really stop and think about it, it scares me to death. Whatever it is will require me to get out of my comfort zone, and for an introvert like me, that is very difficult to do. However, I can't let that fear of the unknown incapacitate me and keep me from accomplishing what God has planned. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." In Philippians 2:13, Paul tells me that God is working in me "giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."
I need to take hold of the power God gives me and stop allowing my fears, insecurities, addictions, stubbornness, or whatever else may be incapacitating me, to stifle me in following through with what God calls me to accomplish.
Again thank you so much for these.... Very well done and I appreciate your thoughts!
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