Hands And Hearts!

Hands and hearts can both get us into trouble when not properly directed. However, both have the ability to GRASP, though the GRASPING may be in different ways. Consider the GRASPING contrast in one of our Lord’s encounters.

On one of the occasions when Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he noticed a man with a withered hand. However, He was not the only one who knew that man was there. Jewish leaders were also aware of his presence and were watching to see if Jesus would heal him, thus giving them cause to accuse Jesus of working on a Sabbath. Jesus, being fully aware of what they were waiting for, had the man with the withered hand come to Him.

Then we read…
“(4) And he said to them, ‘Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?’ But THEY WERE SILENT. (5) And he looked around at them with anger, GRIEVED AT THEIR HARDNESS OF HEART, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and HIS HAND WAS RESTORED. (6) The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.” ( Mark 3:4-6 ESV)

Jesus had compassion with regard to physical ailments. ( Matthew 14:14) The suffering or limitation such imposed on others touched His heart. However, when it came to spiritual ailments, He was grieved. Hard heartedness is a worse affliction than the limitations of the flesh. Even if the hand is unable to GRASP, the heart still can if it is willing. These leaders had full use of their hands, but refused to reach out and GRASP the truth of Jesus. The miracle was seen. The healing was not denied. The power witnessed to restore the hand should have been enough to touch their hearts. It was the hardness of their hearts that would not allow any convincing sign of truth regarding Jesus to penetrate.

Note the spiritual health Paul desired for those He taught.
“(14) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (16) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be STRENGTHENED WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, (17) so that CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH -- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may have STRENGTH TO COMPREHEND with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (19) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” ( Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)

There is definitely an inside work of which to be open! As we reach out our hands and pick up God’s Word, are we continually allowing our heart to GRASP what we read? Though with age the hands may become weaker, may the heart continue to grow stronger through GRASPING the glorious truths of Jesus, the Savior of our soul.

Have a great day CONTINUING TO COMPREHEND THE CERTAINTIES OF CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Attitudes