IS IT ALRIGHT TO DO RIGHT?
Luke 6:6-11 NKJV
6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
This story amazes me when I consider how the Pharisees were so opposed to Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Talk about missing the forest for the trees. I wonder how many of those same Pharisees were dealing with a sickness or disability themselves. They certainly knew people who had problems.
The thing that amazes me is the dogged determination of these religious leaders to protect the Sabbath. The Sabbath was designed to be a day of rest. But the Pharisees made the day into one of strict religious do’s and don’ts. But here was Jesus on the Sabbath, and they were watching Him to see if He would heal a man with a withered hand. But the Pharisees were not watching to see Jesus perform a miracle. They were watching to see if Jesus healed the man so they might accuse Him. Accuse Him of what? Breaking the Sabbath? In light of the challenges this man had already encountered, the Pharisees were not hoping the man would receive healing. They were not hoping for wholeness for their brother. They were looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus.
Jesus knew by the Holy Spirit what the Pharisees were thinking and asked them a question that begged an answer: Is it lawful, or right, to do good on the Sabbath day or to do evil? Is it right to save a life or see it destroyed? Then Jesus answered His own question and healed the man’s hand. According to Jesus it was alright to do right.
APPLICATION
I have never understood why people have a problem with God still healing today. Jesus was the express image of God’s person. Jesus healed because it was in His Father’s plan. It did not matter the day or the season. Jesus wanted people well. And Jesus is the best example of the will of God for our lives.
As someone who has experienced healing, I know the blessing and freedom that healing provides. I also know the disapproval of some who believe that all healing has passed away. But is it still alright for God to do right? The answer today is as it was over two thousand years ago. Healing is God making things right with our bodies. And healing is just alright with me!
PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, that You are still doing right for people today. Still healing and helping and strengthening. Thank You for always doing right.