Today is just a run-of-the-mill ordinary day – nothing out of the norm. But even in the midst of the mundane, Father, You are here. It doesn’t have to be celebratory, it doesn’t have to be tragic, You are with me regardless of the circumstances, wherever I find myself. Thank You, Father, for Your presence.
Mark 3:3-6 (<<click to read the passage)
Is it ever alright to be angry? The bigger question would be how we act upon our anger.
In this passage Jesus has this man with the deformed hand stand in from of everyone and He asks a very pointed and straightforward question,
“Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?”
As we spoke of yesterday, his critics – the religious leaders of His day – were so blinded that “…they wouldn’t answer him.”
We are not surprised at Jesus’ reaction – it was anger! And rightly so. But it was accompanied by sadness. Sadness? How many of us when angered lash out in an attempt to hurt those who have angered us. It is commonly a verbal response but many times it is a physical one as well. But sadness?
We must remember that Jesus knows each and every one of us intimately – we are not just His creation collectively. We are not mass produced. Not one of us is like another. Even “identical” twins aren’t really identical. Jesus knows us and He loves us – right where we are…but also He knows all of our potentials as well!
So as He looked around at these “leaders” He is angered at their hard hearts – their arrogance. But He is also saddened. Oh, what they could be! But they hold back. They fill their hearts and minds with selfish thoughts that hold them back so, so much. They throw up walls between themselves and Jesus, their Creator.
Lord Jesus, I know that throughout my life I have saddened You. I have thrown up walls of division. I have ignored You. I have turned aside from Your direction. I have done all of those things. But I have also brought joy to Your heart! I have allowed You to tear down the walls that I have erected. I have grasped Your hand, as I have followed close by Your side. As of late the latter much more than the former and for that, I rejoice along with You! May it be more so each and every day! Amen!

Feb 13th, 2019, Wed, 12:40 pm