Our Daily Devotion for Tuesday, February 16th, 2021

9 Jesus left that place and went into their synagogue. 10 A man with a withered hand was there. Wanting to bring charges against Jesus, they asked, “Does the Law allow a person to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 Jesus replied, “Who among you has a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath and will not take hold of it and pull it out? 12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! So the Law allows a person to do what is good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he did and it was made healthy, just like the other one. 14 The Pharisees went out and met in order to find a way to destroy Jesus.
Healing the crowd
15 Jesus knew what they intended to do, so he went away from there. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them all. 16 But he ordered them not to spread the word about him, 17 so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:
18 Look, my Servant whom I chose, the one I love, in whom I find great pleasure.
I’ll put my Spirit upon him,  and he’ll announce judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He won’t argue or shout,  and nobody will hear his voice in the streets.
20 He won’t break a bent stalk,  and he won’t snuff out a smoldering wick,
            until he makes justice win.  21 And the Gentiles will put their hope in his name.    Matthew 12:  9-21
 
In today’s reading, Christ shows that it is indeed lawful to do works of mercy on any day, the Sabbath included. Things like attending to the sick, teaching the young, bringing relief from pain are all acceptable. We are healed of our sinful nature through the power of Jesus, and Jesus alone.
 
Let us pray together – Loving God, thank you for the love and caring You showed the world by giving us Your son, our Savior Jesus. It is through His sacrifice that we can claim eternal life, that death is vanquished once and for all. It is in His name we pray….Amen.
 
Yours in Christ  ,  Rollie
 

---