“The RoseBouquet”

The whole entourage, Jesus, His disciples, and the Pharisees, moved their synagogue, where there was a man with a shriveled hand. The Pharisees, looking for a way to accuse Jesus, asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (Can you hear a bit of snarl or sarcasm in their voice?)

Jesus reminds them that if one of their sheep fell into a pit on a Sabbath, they would lift it out, would they not? A man is more valuable than a sheep, therefore, yes, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

To prove it, He told the man with the handicapped hand to stretch it out. He did, and it was completely restored, as good as the other.

This infuriated the Pharisees, who went out to plot His murder.

It seems the main lesson here for us is that a day of rest, a holiday, is always a perfect day - as is any other - for doing good, and helping other people. If that upsets someone, that’s their problem.

I don’t like to see the poor man with the shriveled hand slipped over though. I wonder what he learned from Jesus. Anything I can apply too?

Ah yes! I have it. When Jesus says to stretch out or use a part of us that seems useless or a problem to us, then let’s do it! It is going to be healed in the process of obeying Him.

Now, let me make a list of where I feel useless or unable to do anything - and listen for that command to try anyway.

PRAYER; You know, Lord, my physical hands seem okay, but I do feel hampered by my poverty in the giving I’d like to do; that spiritual stretching out to help others. My intercessory prayers for others do not always seem effective. I need Your help there too.

I believe You want me to stretch out these hands, and I want to obey. Will You help me, and heal me as I do it, please?

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. You will love Ruthe’s Secret Roses if you like;
* walking and talking intimately with God
* stories of compassion and dramatic conversion
* have a bleeding, caring heart of your own
* are a caregiving older sister
* love designing clothes and make-overs
* love giving gifts and surprises
* are a mentor or counseling kind of friend.