“On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” Luke 13.10-14
Imagine those religious leaders who can’t see the hand of God at work! Jesus faced this very issue, just as I have faced it in my own life and ministry from people inside the church. I have experienced this firsthand! God moved powerfully at camp for years, but some could not see it. And He is still doing it today!
Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, healed on the Sabbath. The Jews missed the point of the Sabbath. It was a day for God to renew, restore, and heal His people and His land. What could be more appropriate than a physical healing on the Sabbath of one of God’s creations? But the religious leaders were all about distorting the Law of Moses and twisting what God had given for their own gain. They were full of power, control, and evil.
But Jesus saw a need and, knowing God’s intent for the Sabbath, healed a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years. For all that time she could not even stand up straight. Jesus saw her, called her forward, and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was healed and praised God. Isn’t this amazing?! What comes right after the healing? Praise! What comes after the storm? Calm. Even if the religious leaders could not see the hand of God at work, this woman certainly could.
Where is God working around us that we might give Him praise? How might we see God doing His miracles and glorify His name? I am about to begin my twenty-seventh summer of youth camps and retreats. We will have one thousand participants. God is doing great work! We will praise Him! In the midst of all the activity, souls will be saved in wonderful and powerful ways.
Look for God’s activity around you and praise Him. Bring Him glory for who He is and what He has done and will do.
“O Lord God, you are good. I glorify Your name. Come now, Holy Spirit—I praise You. Thank You for loving us and for allowing us to see Your face. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.