Illegal use of hands. It's the football penalty that frustrates me more than any other. Although it could be called on almost every play, it seems the officials only call it when it hurts your team the most.
But imagine Jesus' frustration of being accused of illegal use of hands. Check it out in Luke 13:10-17.
It was an ordinary day at the synagogue. The congregation had gathered as normal, but then everything changed. While he was teaching, Jesus noticed the crippled woman who had come to synagogue like everyone else, except with much greater effort. And when Jesus decided to heal her, the synagogue ruler got bent out of shape.
And as usual, Jesus turned the crisis into a teaching opportunity. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the leaders. And in healing the woman, demonstrated the saving power of God in delivering His people from the power of Satan.
It's a powerful story that becomes even more powerful when look for yourself in each character?
Can you see yourself in the congregation? Growing in your relationship with God...delighting in what you see Him doing...gathering each week anticipating what He will do?
Can you see yourself in the synagogue leader? Having placed yourself and God in a safe box where nothing special ever happens...becoming indignant about people you perceive to be breaking your rules...gathering each week determined for everything to meet your expectations?
Can you see yourself in the crippled woman? Bearing the burden of infirmity...longing for healing...gathering each week to worship God, despite the burden?
With whom do you identify? What will you do about that?
2 comments:
Pastor Jim,
Yes, I clearly saw myself in the crippled woman. I was bearing the burden of emotional infirmity, longing for healing.
By God's grace I have been healed of emotional torment.
What a powerful experience!
Thanks for your comment! I'm so glad to have been able to be a part of the healing God has brought to your life. May God bless you as you walk with Him.
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