Have you ever heard the statement, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good?” The Pharisees were so Sabbath-minded that they were no earthly good. They worried about their righteous standing before God and did not notice the obvious needs of their community – like a woman “crippled by a spirit for eighteen years.”
Scripture says, while teaching in the temple on the Sabbath, Jesus made clear that God was available for doing good on the Sabbath, even if the Pharisees weren’t. Our Lord was interested in bringing hope to God’s kingdom on this holy day, in which we all will have abundant life forever.
Jesus, in a calm and gentle voice, called the woman to him and said, “You are set free from your infirmity.” He placed his hands on her crooked, bent-over body and filled her with God’s Sabbatical healing power. At once, she was healed, and she praised God. Joy came to her on the day that was meant for freedom, worship and thanksgiving. However, not everyone was thrilled with Jesus’ intervention. The Pharisees were unhappy because Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath, a day meant for no work.
Today, Jesus knows the Sabbath is for doing good and showing grace in the name of the Father – as Christ did for many on the Sabbath. He restored the Sabbath to its original intent: that all good things come from God, who is always available to help us, no matter the day or time. Thank God that he never takes a day off from caring for you and me!
“Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Luke 13:12
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for being Lord of the Sabbath. Father help me see that you are always available to bring healing and Joy, even on the sabbath. Listening for my cry no matter what the day or time. Thank you, God, for being Lord of the sabbath and not leaving it up to man’s legalistic ideology, in Christ’s name, Amen.
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Our Location: The Advent Centre, Crawford Place, London, W1H 5JE
Regular Meetings Divine Service: Every Saturday from 11:15 AM
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