To Do Good
Today’s Verse:
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? ~Luke 6:9
One of the dangers of being a Christian for a long time is that we can allow traditions and practices to interfere with good sense and cloud our practices. Well-meaning Christians can elevate days, events, and traditions over what glorifies God. This morning, let us be reminded of and stirred about the importance to do good.
We see the disabled.
“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.” A man with a withered hand would be noticeable to anyone passing by. His hand was dried up, twisted, and without usefulness. He was forced to use his left hand. A man with this type of disability may have been ignored by most people. However, Jesus noticed this man! Jesus knows our weaknesses and limitations. Others might ignore or reject us, but our Lord never does! Let God work through whatever limitation you have.
We see the distorted.
“And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.” The religious leaders did not allow the Jews to exert any effort on the Sabbath Day. The exception to this was if it involved an emergency or personal need that these scribes and Pharisees had. They distorted the law to fit them. They did not care how valid the need was or whom it helped. People suffered during those days because of the rigid and unkind way they practiced the observation of the Sabbath. We must be careful not to let external rules and regulations that we have overshadow exercising love and kindness to others.
We see the deed.
“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." Jesus knew that these religious leaders were watching Him to see what He would do. He knew that if He healed this man with the withered hand, they would make a false accusation. In spite of the social pressure, Jesus healed this man. This man’s hand was restored and normal. Jesus did good! Jesus did the right thing! He demonstrated that the social rules of that day were not greater than the rule to do good and to save lives. His adversaries were beside themselves that He did good and defied their man-made laws. Does the fear of being falsely accused hinder you from doing good? Do you allow peer pressure or social pressure to influence you from doing good to another person?
We see the doctrine.
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27). We are to do good to others no matter what day it is, what hour of the day it is, or if there are other obligations we are in the process of accomplishing. We must keep foremost the love and care of people. We must be like the Samaritan who stopped to help a man who was robbed and beaten so badly that he is described as being half dead. This Samaritan helped treat this man’s wounds, carried him on his own donkey, and paid for him to stay at a hotel until he got well. Be careful that budgets, traditions, and people pressure do not hinder you from doing that which is good. Do right until the stars fall!
Have a help-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 1