I was thinking about yesterday’s devotional about the man with the withered hand and how a group of religious leaders were watching Jesus to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath. There wasn’t any excitement in their hearts. They were focused on the technicalities of things and were waiting to accuse Jesus of disobeying the law. He didn’t care and healed the man in front of them.
What catches my eye today is that the leaders weren’t positively impacted by the miracle. In fact, afterward, they were angrier than ever. The scripture says they were filled with madness!
Some folks are present to criticize and demean what Jesus is doing in your life. They are waiting to throw cold water on your joyful moment of experiencing a mighty move of God.
The man came with a withered hand. He left healed. The leaders came hating Jesus, and they left hating Him all the more. And Jesus’ mission was accomplished. He didn’t need everyone to approve of what He would do – it wasn’t an all-or-none kind of moment.
Each of us has opportunities to experience the miraculous moves of God. How you respond is on you. The man clearly wanted to be healed because he did what Jesus told him to do. Had he been more afraid of the leaders, he could have refused. Thankfully, he ignored them, followed Jesus’ directive, and walked out better than when he arrived.
We don’t have to be afraid of the naysayers in our lives. They aren’t the ones with needs. You may not have a literal withered hand. Still, you may have hindering situations that don’t allow you to function to your full capacity.
This biblical account is a beautiful reminder that everyone around you will not be happy that Jesus touched you. Everyone isn’t going to celebrate what He’s done in your life – and that’s okay. Jesus did it for you despite those who don’t applaud and appreciate Him and His mighty power like you do. You came with a withered situation and left whole because of Jesus! And that’s the only thing that matters!
6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:6-11 KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)