THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
It was nearly Christmas and Judge Judy was in a happy mood. She asked the defendant, "What are you being prosecuted for?"
"Doing my Christmas shopping too early," replied the defendant.
"That's not a crime," replied Judge Judy.
"How early were you doing you Christmas shopping?"
"Before the store opened," replied the defendant!!
_______________________________________________________________________________
________SCRIPTURE_______________________________________________________
Matthew 12:9-13
9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______THOUGHT__________________________________________________________
Notice the Bible says "He went into their synagogue." Was it not HIS synagogue?
Is it not HIS church today?
When the church is operated by ritualism it reflects the rulership of men rather than of God!
He went in to be WITH them. The man with the withered hand had also come in to be WITH them. He was seeking help!
While they, for ritualistic reason, would not seek to help the afflicted man, Jesus went there for that specific purpose.
All men are stinky, nasty, messin' on themselves sheep!
Even those in Christ's pasture are that way!
But He is the "Good Shepherd," and will tend to His sheep!
Would He not seek to help the afflicted sheep today?
Of course He would help, and He does!
Notice the power of Christ to help is based on willingness to do as He said.
The man with the withered hand stretched out that hand on Christ's command - and He was healed.
The men with the withered hearts would not stretch out their heart to Christ, and were not healed!
Persistent hardheartedness is the only disease which God cannot cure!
And God can cure even that, if one will simply surrender!
It's comforting to know that our Lord is SEEKING those who are hurting.
He is seeking them to offer His HELP!
We can give to Him our withered hearts, and He will bring healing!
Love ya,
Bruce