Suffering: Injury, Like The Man With The Withered Hand
He entered a synagogue again; and a man was there whose hand was withered. And they were watching Him closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might put Him to death.
Mark 3:1-6 (NASB)
Injuries (and illnesses) are TOUGH tests.
Sobering truth: Our Teacher is watching.
Amazing truth: Jesus took the worst test.
Uplifting truth: He passed and helps us pass.
Comforting truth: He forgives our failures.
Correcting truth: We must rise beyond them.
What about the man with the withered hand? We're not given the details of his life or how he came upon his injury. But…
From his brief interaction with Jesus, features of his character are revealed:
Since the two of them met at the temple, we conclude that he was a man of faith, and faith is necessary to be healed!
Since leading Jews sought to accuse Jesus, and standing up for Him was dangerous. The injured man had “go-for-it” courage.
Faith and courage are a winning ticket! All Bible heroes found it and used it, rising and shining in all kinds of ways.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
What you do in the “tests” called INJURY (whether it’s your own or someone else’s), God and people are watching the outcome.
If you’re the one dealing with injury, don't give up on your life or grow bitter. If you focus on faith and hope in God, you’re a witness of grace under pressure
EXAMPLE: Inky Johnson has a withered hand now. Although the Healer hasn't healed it (yet), if you watch the short video below, you'll witness valor that will inspire you.*If you can assist an injured person, or perhaps become a meaningful friend, your life will become enriched by his gifts, and he'll be uplifted by friendship.
EXAMPLE: Joni Eareckson Tada's rocks for God! Although a major injury hit her, she’s a stand-up star who inspires millions. Her story teaches us how to live big.**
Suffering: Injury, Like The Man With The Withered Hand (Part 12)
* One of the most inspiring short videos I've ever watched: https://www.facebook.com/recruitstatus/videos/1752846194927005/
* Inky Johnson's FB page: https://www.facebook.com/inky29?hc_location=ufi
** Another incredibly inspiring video by an injured woman who has become a media giant for God. In it, Joni sings a song that was initially nominated for an Academy Award, but the nomination was rescinded for a technicality. The Academy's loss is the Lord's gain. Alone Yet Not Alone (Song) Performed by Joni Eareckson Tada
** Moving narrative by Joni Eareckson Tada: Why Do God’s Children Suffer? | Answers in Genesis
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!