November 3, 2017 - - Luke 6:6-11 Rich and poor

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:6-11 NIV

Jesus stood there with the power to help and to heal. He asked the religious people of His time if it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath? They knew Isaiah, every one of them knew the Sabbath requirement to loose the chains of injustice, to bring bread to the poor and house the homeless, clothe the naked and care for family members in distress (Isaiah 56). The religious leaders were silent. They were sullen. They were being challenged as to the veracity of their faith.

Today, Jesus the Saviour, questions you and me. In view of His great salvation, in view of His accomplished work at the cross, is it lawful for YOU to do good? Is it lawful for YOU to remain silent or should you do good to those in need? Yes, write a cheque for hurricane victims, yes, give used clothes to mission thrift stores, but more importantly, give yourself, your time, your attention and your ears to those in need.

Jesus invoked curses on the rich, the full, and the pleasure seekers (Luke 6:24-26). Those who have everything they need now and do not expend themselves in caring for those who are poor, hungry and mourning are subject to Jesus' curse. It is sobering given how rich we are here in North America. What can you do today, in Jesus' Name, to change the life of someone around you?

Lord Jesus, thank You that You did not pass me by. Thank You that You rescued me, sinner though I was. Thank You for the work of Your Spirit leading me to change my ways and alter my habitual thinking so that Your thoughts become my thoughts and Your focus of concern becomes mine. Forgive me for the many times I focus on my own situation and ignore the plight of those around me. Help me to give myself in the cause of those who need Your mercy still. Let my thoughts and my actions bring blessing to the Name of God. Amen.