Healed on the Sabbath

Luke Chapter 13 describes how, for healing a woman of her crippling affliction, Jesus was harshly criticized by a leader of the synagogue for having violated the Sabbath. In return Jesus branded the man and those with him to be hypocrites. It’s hard to believe that we could live in a world where a genuine, honest to goodness, healing miracle could be considered unlawful simply because of the day of the week on which it took place. Instead of rejoicing with the other believers, these church officials were blinded by their laws rather than amazed at the glory of God’s power. On that day, the Sabbath was surely a day for immense celebration, yet the synagogue lost sight of what was truly holy. Too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in the details and minutiae of this life and we miss the simple joys of God’s miracles as they unfold around us. We miss the opportunity to live within the miracle. We miss the opportunity to do great things in His name because we are unsure if it’s politically correct or socially acceptable, or we worry about who to give credit to or where to place blame. And why, 2,000 years later, do we forget that we are privy to a perspective that the synagogue hypocrites never understood? The hundreds and hundreds of Jewish laws passed down through generations for thousands of years for daily living and proper faith instruction suddenly paled in comparison to the presence of the long-awaited Messiah. A new age and a new kingdom had been born. He was with us in the flesh for the briefest of moments, to share the holiest of all commandments and life lessons and a one-of-a-kind divine perspective. When queried about the greatest commandment, Jesus spoke firmly and with great conviction: “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s time to throw off the shackles that prevent you from enjoying daily God’s promises and live your life without fear of criticism when your decisions and actions are guided by the Holy Spirit. Strive to make every day a Sabbath. A Sabbath where you find rest and peace and refreshment with the Lord, and one that, when the opportunity arises, is rich with healing and great works in honor of the everlasting God!