February 12, 2021
Critics
Beloved, Jesus went into the synagogue and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If He healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then He turned to His critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy?” But they wouldn’t answer Him. (Mark 3:1-4) He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So, the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once, the Pharisees went away and met with Herod’s supporters to plot how to kill Jesus. (Mark 3:5-9)
Jesus hung out with people with a record. He hung out with hurting, broken, wounded people who were prisoners in their own minds, which is what we are called to do as believers! (Isaiah 61:1-3) The Pharisees took issue with Jesus because He hung out with Mary Magdalene, the prostitute, and Matthew, the crooked tax collector. The biggest problem they had with Jesus is He kept working on the Sabbath. God instituted the Sabbath and called it holy for you to rest and rejuvenate. He created the world and all that is in it and rested on the seventh day. (Genesis 2:1-2, Exodus 20:11) Honor God and your body! Rest on the Sabbath and stay focused on your assignment. Don’t allow your critics to move you. Walk by faith and not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Pray with me:
Father God, I humbly come in Your powerful presence and repent for being concerned about what people think. The only person I desire is to please is You! You are the great I Am, and there is no other. I commit myself to pray for my critics with my focus on You alone. My deepest desire to obey Your voice and please you in all I do in the mighty matchless name of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Amen.
