Daily Bread 5-27-16
Matthew 12:10-12
10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
ref. - Luke 13:14 - And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
Luke 14:3 - And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
Dt 22:4 - Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
When Jesus began to work in the world and show us the way he was sure turning heads. When you turn heads usually there are many who oppose what you stand for. When these pharisees tried to rip him up, time after time, he knew how to answer them. It must have been nice for him. They didn't even realize that he was there when the rules were made. Even though he had little education he knew the scriptures and the meaning or purpose in each one. They had rules of days and hours, but Jesus said let us do good at all times and then we will not fall short of the glory of God. He did not try to bring them something new that was not spoken of, he referred them right back to their law where it was written in Deuteronomy. Today, we are no longer under the law but we are under the teachings and commandments included in Christ's teachings and the commandments given or old ones supported by his instruction. If we want to prosper and please God we just not confuse what was for the people in the days before Christ and what is included in our responsibilities now. The importance of all of our actions, beliefs, and commitments is clearly explained by Christ as he gives the Sermon on the Mount, instruction and rebuke to his disciples, and each time he leads by example. Now, we cannot be Moses, nor can we be Paul, but the word of God says that Through obedience and living what we learn that he will actually put the knowledge in us through the Holy Ghost. So let us learn of Christ and let us learn today that the changes that he can and will make in our lives are in direct parallel to the scriptures that were written thousands of years ago. So, the question is; Do we help our brothers even on the days and times that are set aside for other activities? Like work? Like School? Like Memorial Day? Like Christmas? Like Sunday? Yes we do. We have been given a great gift in Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. Let's not waste a minute. We must not cease in well doing and look for any opportunity to help our brothers out. So let's get out there and though we are preoccupied with life today, seek out a brother or sister in need of help and reach out to them. You'll be glad you did!!! Have a great day!!!