To do good or to do evil

Luke 6:6-11    On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.  The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.  But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.”  So he got up and stood there.
Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”  He did so, and his hand was completely restored.  But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus (NIV).

   When studying this passage this morning something hit me: How could religious leaders be “furious” after viewing the healing of a damaged hand?  I have a few physical challenges, including some eye challenges.  Our bodies are so important.  Our bodies are so delicate.  Imagine if you did not have use of one hand.
   There in a synagogue a man with a damaged hand was healed by Jesus.  How awesome.  The man’s life was drastically improved, and he must have gone home with much joy and having an appreciation the rest of his days in this world for the use of his hand.
   But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious, because Jesus was not following their rules according to their interpretation of Scripture, of which they liked to add much legislation.
   In reading this passage, I am saddened as I realize the tragedy of such fury remains today.  There are plenty of instances when goodness done by Christians elicits anger by some.  And oftentimes we Christians simply get heaped with much criticism.  In my 27 years of being a follower of Jesus, I have exponentially improved as a person, more than I can express, however criticism has mounted tremendously.  That seems totally illogical.  Yet Jesus illustrates the reason.  The call of God is to do good rather than evil.  The ministry of Jesus involved physically healing people, yet it ultimately concerns saving the souls of people.  But the call of God is not the mission of all people.  People not adhering to the call of God sometimes do not even consider the spiritual need of salvation.
   Jesus saves souls so that people He has redeemed can be in heaven, and that is what we Christians should be proclaiming.  That message will sometimes be ill received by people who do not want to hear about heaven and hell.  And some people will disagree about the morality of physical issues such as sex outside of marriage and drugs.  More and more as a Christian I feel like I am in the minority regarding questions of Biblical morality.  I need to remember that Jesus had the ultimate opposition.
   Our sad fallen world contains much fury.  What can we do to improve things?  My suggestion is that you and me start today with this Bible passage.  Jesus healed the hand of a man because Jesus loved that man.  Let us praise God that He healed his damaged hand.  Let us be thankful that Jesus does good.  And though Jesus is in heaven, let us walk by faith today realizing Jesus can do healing in the hearts of willing people through the Holy Spirit even today.
   Thus I suggest that now you think of one person who needs some healing in his or her heart, and say a prayer that person would turn to Jesus for healing.  It is a start.
+ Heavenly Father, I think of a person I know who recently was hurt, and who needs to open up to You for love and healing.  May she be encouraged that You are her Savior and Lord, and may she be reminded that You are her best Friend.  It is through the loving name of Jesus that I pray.  Amen.
Hunter