Today's Reading:
Ezekiel 16:42-17:24
Matthew 12:1-21
Proverbs 13:10-19
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Matthew 12:9-12
9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and
a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse
Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" 11 He
said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the
Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Insight:
It
is always right to do good. Jesus clearly counters any suggestion that
God has more concern about rituals or laws than he has for the people
they are intended to help.
Response and Action:
I
need to be careful to notice anytime laws are moral precepts are used
as a way to stop anyone from doing what is good. God's instructions and
commands are not an end in and of themselves, but instead are intended
to serve the very best interests of people. When applying and
interpreting the commands of scripture, I will always consider what
would be the most redemptive, caring, and helpful for all involved.
O
God, help me to seek you and obey you with all my being. Help me to
understand your word and to be obedient to your commands. Help me to
grasp the spirit and heart behind your commands in order that I might
apply and obey them for the right reasons and the right attitude with
the right ends in mind. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: John 13:34-35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Resources:
What's So Amazing About Grace?
by Philip Yancey
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