Word@Work 027 - Mark 3:5-6
Published: Tue, 12/18/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 3:5-6 He looked round at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. (NIV)
God does not watch benignly as people resist His truth. Yes, He certainly loves them, but He is angry at their sin and distressed by their stubbornness. The Bible says that such people are storing up God's wrath.
Jesus turned away from the rebellious religionists (as He always does), to the disabled man - now standing in front of everybody. Jesus now commands him to do the impossible - and he does! The man's hand is in pristine condition and full working order.
Mark shows us two different reactions at the same time. Stubbornness in the unbeliever, and faith in the man who was healed. At the same time, Jesus revealed that the hand of God has two responses: wrath as well as mercy, judgement and salvation. Which side applies ... well, that depends on our resistance or obedience to God's Word.
You would have thought that the crowd would cheer: but alas, disobedient (even though religious) hearts get harder; and so those who should have known better, plot His death - and unwittingly their own.
So, when friends or family, colleagues or clients get angry at your desire to please the Lord - do not be surprised. Nothing personal, to you: but very personal to God. Just make sure that you don't become like them ... it is easy to blend in with the crowd.
Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to understand the opposition that Jesus faced so that I will not be shocked when it happens to me. Help me to hate wrongdoing, but love those who are trapped and disabled by it. May Your merciful command to repent be heard by those I know and care for. In Christ's Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
God does not watch benignly as people resist His truth. Yes, He certainly loves them, but He is angry at their sin and distressed by their stubbornness. The Bible says that such people are storing up God's wrath.
Jesus turned away from the rebellious religionists (as He always does), to the disabled man - now standing in front of everybody. Jesus now commands him to do the impossible - and he does! The man's hand is in pristine condition and full working order.
Mark shows us two different reactions at the same time. Stubbornness in the unbeliever, and faith in the man who was healed. At the same time, Jesus revealed that the hand of God has two responses: wrath as well as mercy, judgement and salvation. Which side applies ... well, that depends on our resistance or obedience to God's Word.
You would have thought that the crowd would cheer: but alas, disobedient (even though religious) hearts get harder; and so those who should have known better, plot His death - and unwittingly their own.
So, when friends or family, colleagues or clients get angry at your desire to please the Lord - do not be surprised. Nothing personal, to you: but very personal to God. Just make sure that you don't become like them ... it is easy to blend in with the crowd.
Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to understand the opposition that Jesus faced so that I will not be shocked when it happens to me. Help me to hate wrongdoing, but love those who are trapped and disabled by it. May Your merciful command to repent be heard by those I know and care for. In Christ's Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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