I was drawn to this story…
Hardened hearts, jealousy, and power.
How easy it would be to find ourselves here, if we are not aware of God’s beauty and grace..
“Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, (and you weren’t supposed to do any work) Jesus’ enemies watched Him closely.
Would He heal this man’s hand on the Sabbath? If He did, they planned to condemn Him. Jesus said to the man, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then He turned to His critics, and asked, “Is it a day for doing harm? Is this a day to save or to destroy it? But they wouldn’t answer Him.
He looked around at them angrily, because He was deeply disturbed by their hard hearts.
Then He said to the man, “Reach out your hand.” The man reached out His hand, and it became normal again!
At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to discuss plans for killing Jesus.
Mark 3:1-6
Crazy right! They went away and discussed plans for killing Jesus.. They wouldn’t let themselves for one minute see any good…
How scary is that…
I feel like a hardened heart creeps up on us… We let our emotions, and our plans, dictate what we want, and when we don’t get exactly what we think we should…
Bad things start to happen.
I so need to be careful to lay my heart, my dreams, and my day in God’s presence.. Thanking Him. Basking in His word of goodness and keeping myself in check.
It’s a journey for sure.. But love should always win :)
Dear Lord, I love You. When I read this story, it makes me want to ask for forgiveness of my own heart, which can be so judgmental, hardened, jealous or threatened…
Today is a good day to bask in Your generous love and goodness…
How I thank You for exposing what a hard heart looks like. That we don’t have to fear, or be threatened of the beauty You pour into our hearts.. Your love and beauty is flowing through us, so we can love other’s.. just as You love us.
I love that…
Thank You so so much!
How I pray this day; my heart, my thoughts, would be an extension of Your great love…
May other’s see Your light of hope in my eyes…
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Live in Love,
Lisa
“Healthy people don’t need a doctor sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough..”
Mark 2:17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him..”
John 3:16
Peace be with you sweet friends…