We should intentionally
begin everyday with open hands – an
openness to let go of the things that weigh us down, and receive all that God
has in store for us. We need to open our eyes, minds, and heart to what God has
in store for us. We see in Jesus’ life people had a hard
time understanding this.
“You are demon-possessed,”
the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?” Jesus said to
them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. Yet, because
Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but
from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. Now if a boy can be
circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are
you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Stop
judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” -
John 7:20-24.
The people were
unfamiliar with the personal ambitions of their leaders. It would be
unthinkable to these people that their leaders would plot to kill a man.
Therefore the only possible conclusion would be that Jesus was controlled by a
demon or out of His mind.
Jesus reminded the crowd
that circumcision regularly resulted in the breaking of Sabbath Laws (v.22).
Law required it to be done on the eighth day regardless of what day that it
fell on. The logic of Jesus’ argument was that if it is permissible to treat
one part of the body on the Sabbath, then what was wrong with healing the whole
body on the Sabbath? (v.23)
Jesus had done more than
meet the physical need of this man. He had met his spiritual need as well. (vv.
5:8& 14)
Closed eyes, minds, and
hearts keep people from meeting the Savior. Be open to all the Lord has in
store for you through His Word. Amen?
