Monday, March 27, 2017

March 28, 2017 - NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED


Day 87 - Joshua 21-22 & Luke 6:1-26

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?” And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 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, the kind religious prisoner who rescues his pursuer only to be killed for his beliefs, 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. But they were filled with fury and discusssed 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
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

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