Key Passage
Then Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, "Let me see your hand." The man put his hand out for Jesus, and the hand became well again, the same as the other hand. But the Pharisees left and made plans to kill Jesus.
— Matthew 12:13-14 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Isn't it amazing how one event can distill two such radically different reactions! In this event, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand but pushes the Pharisees into a murderous rage. The problem is not Jesus' action, of course, but the hearts of those involved. If I am willing to come to Jesus for comfort, rest, and healing, he is more than willing to give it to me. He longs to bless and give rest. If I am seeking to avoid him, to control him, to tame him, to limit him, to religiously domesticate him, then his actions will drive me to anger and maybe even hatred. Each reaction is its own conviction or pardon, because Jesus' intent is only to bless.
Prayer
Loving Father, help me see that your desire for my worship is not just your pleasure, but also my blessing. Let me find rest and renewal in your presence as you minister to me through your Son and by your Spirit as I seek to glorify you and place my life under your care. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
"A person's mind is very tricky! The mind can be very sick, and no person truly understands it. But I am the Lord, and I can look into a person's heart. I can test a person's mind. I can decide what each person should have. I can give each person the right payment for the things he does.
— Jeremiah 17:9-10
There is a way that people think is right. But that way leads only to death.
— Proverbs 14:12
"Come to me all you people that are tired and have heavy burdens. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. Yes, the work that I ask you to accept is easy. The burden I give you to carry is not heavy."
— Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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Then Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, "Let me see your hand." The man put his hand out for Jesus, and the hand became well again, the same as the other hand. But the Pharisees left and made plans to kill Jesus.
— Matthew 12:13-14 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Isn't it amazing how one event can distill two such radically different reactions! In this event, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand but pushes the Pharisees into a murderous rage. The problem is not Jesus' action, of course, but the hearts of those involved. If I am willing to come to Jesus for comfort, rest, and healing, he is more than willing to give it to me. He longs to bless and give rest. If I am seeking to avoid him, to control him, to tame him, to limit him, to religiously domesticate him, then his actions will drive me to anger and maybe even hatred. Each reaction is its own conviction or pardon, because Jesus' intent is only to bless.
Prayer
Loving Father, help me see that your desire for my worship is not just your pleasure, but also my blessing. Let me find rest and renewal in your presence as you minister to me through your Son and by your Spirit as I seek to glorify you and place my life under your care. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
"A person's mind is very tricky! The mind can be very sick, and no person truly understands it. But I am the Lord, and I can look into a person's heart. I can test a person's mind. I can decide what each person should have. I can give each person the right payment for the things he does.
— Jeremiah 17:9-10
There is a way that people think is right. But that way leads only to death.
— Proverbs 14:12
"Come to me all you people that are tired and have heavy burdens. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls. Yes, the work that I ask you to accept is easy. The burden I give you to carry is not heavy."
— Matthew 11:28-30
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
