Devotion for Saturday, September 7, 2024

“Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other.  But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him” (Matthew 12:13-14). 

Jesus healed one who was His own.  Did He break the law?  Does not God take care of us every day?  Is God breaking the law?  We care for what we care for and the purpose of the Sabbath is so that we learn how to rest.  God rested on the seventh day.  To be so inwardly focused that you are outwardly no good has been a problem all along.  We are here because the Lord placed us here.  Trust in the Lord. 

Lord, You know how much I wrestle between wanting to do things the way I think they ought to be done and simply doing what You give me to do.  Help me so that I may look to You and do what You give me to do.  Take my eyes off those around me telling me what to do so that I focus upon Your guidance.  Lead me in Your goodness always to have a willing, humble, merciful, and gracious heart for all those who are around me. 

Lord Jesus, You explained what You were doing.  Guide me in Your goodness to be as compassionate as You are.  Help me to learn how to be intentional in the things I do.  Let me to not waver, nor stop because those around me are cynical and unwilling to see the bigger picture.  Lead me, Lord, in the way You would have me go this day.  May I learn a little more today about what it means to be faithful.  Amen.