"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - Day 93 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Judges 8,9;Luke 8:22-56)
NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED
9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11 ESV)
The dog that bites his master as he gives his pet some food, a good Samaritan stops to help a stranded motorist only to be killed by the person he’s trying to help, and the compassionate Savior who heals a man’s withered hand, all have something in common. They proved that, many times, no good deed goes unpunished.
“Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Jesus has compassion on a man whose life and livelihood were greatly hampered by his withered hand. The only problem, in the eyes of His enemies, was that the Lord did this “work” on the Sabbath. His kind miracle filled them with anger and with a desire to get back at Him. His kindness would not go unpunished if they had anything to say about it.
They certainly had plenty to say!
“Crucify him... His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 23:23-25)
Jesus’ good deed of healing on the Sabbath did not go unpunished. As unfair as this is, it was all part of God the Father’s plan for our salvation. Thank God our kind and compassionate Jesus was punished on the cross for us!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing the withered hand on the Sabbath, showing Your divinity. Thank You even more for healing my sin-withered soul. Regardless of how some may be negatively rewarded for acts of kindness, please guide me and empower me to continue to serve You by sharing Your kindness with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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