This morning my reading took me through John 4.
In John 4, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath. This, of course, causes quite an uproar. No work is to be done on the Sabbath, even the carrying of a mat. So healing on the Sabbath had to be a BIG DEAL.
Scripture:
This scripture pretty much sums it up:
“So because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.”
-John 4:16
Observation:
Well, God planned it this way, or at least it was carried out this way by the Son of God, whichever way to you want to look at it.
I wonder why. Why did He choose specifically to contradict elements of the Law in this way? (Or at least the law as it was understood at this time.) This was no mistake. It could not have been.
Jesus’ miracles were not quiet. (Well, maybe some were that were not recorded.) They were bold. They were sure to spread, even the ones where he asked the receivers of the miracles to keep quiet about them.
Application:
Why is this, I wonder. What else is He saying in that? What is this to tell us? Is it just that healing or helping are always good– no mater what restrictions we may perceive? Or is there more to it? I’m going to have to chew on this one.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your Word. Thank you for allowing us to read these words recorded many, many years ago and ponder them in safety, growing closer to you as we ask questions and listen. Please, Father, show me what the additional lesson or message is here. Thank you for being big and bold and brash at times, as well as being as gentle as the tiniest of whispers at other times. I love that you grabbed me today and made me think on this. Please guide my thoughts as I continue to ponder and chew on it. Help me to see your truth through my thoughts and observations. Please also help my readers to see you, too, and feel your love and wisdom. We need you.
I love you.
Amen.
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