ESOCS Devotional 15 February 2022
TEXT: LUKE 6:1-11
MEMORY VERSE: “And the Scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the Sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.” Luke 6:7 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place ”
6 Now it happened [a]on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”
3 But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”
6 Now it happened on another Sabbath, also, that He entered the synagogue and taught. And a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 So the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Arise and stand here.” And he arose and stood. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or [b]to destroy?” 10 And when He had looked around at them all, He said to [c]the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored [d]as whole as the other. 11 But they were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
It is amazing the kind of attention most persons invest, just to find fault in someone. We ask, what joy do you derive in the fault finding business? Most times, the annoying part is that we do not find this fault to help correct these persons and make them a better people; rather, we engage in the faultfinding mission to raise accusation against others.
Our text reveals a worrisome situation. Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath day and instead of the scribes and the Pharisees to pay attention to the teaching for the transformation of their life, they listened and watched so keenly whether He will heal on the Sabbath day. As much as we have our reactions about their actions, the same situation is reflected in our world today.
People want to find fault in your choice of words during prayers or the pattern being used. They listen to the sermon, not to be blessed; but to find fault in your approach, delivery, and timing. Instead of join in praising God, they find fault in the type of song raised or the rhythm of the song. Other than commend your dedicated selfless service to God, they find fault in what you are doing all alone and wanting to show yourself. Rather, than celebrate the administrative grace you carry, they find fault that you are stretching your bounds and want to displace the other man. Beloved, let it be clear to you that if we must have a better system with everyone bringing their best for the service of God, the fault finding must stop. You will gain nothing always accusing your brother of sister.
- Desist from fault finding and help others in their weakness.
- Father, thank you for making us who we are, help us to focus on our service to you, and to desist from fault finding, in Jesus name. Amen
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 63:15-19, 64:1-4; 1-8; 1 Corinthian. 5:1-13
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ESOCS Devotional 15 February 2022
