Daily Reading: Luke 6
And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. (Luke 6.10)
Devotional Thought: Jesus was often confronted by legalists who wanted to parse every word and scrutinize every action. In one instance he was in the synagogue (the place of learning and worship) where there was a man who had a withered hand. The word for withered comes from a root that indicates having been scorched, or boiled dry – no life left at all. There was no life, no movement, nor any hope in that man’s hand. It was dead. To make matters worse, it was the hand of his strength – his right hand.
All the legalists cared about was an opportunity to accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath. Jesus, not caring a whit about their dry legalism, healed the man in front of the whole congregation! Jesus told the man to stretch it out. “What? Don’t you know it is withered? It won’t move!” Ah, but Jesus had already healed it! When the man stretched out his hand he – and all those present – found it completely restored! Jesus had already done it!
Have you ever felt that your strength was withered? Hands can get that way through various means. Hands can be withered because we have overextended them, damaging them beyond repair. They can be withered because others have injured us. They can be withered because of disease. They can be withered because of lack of nutrition. Or, they can become withered due to lack of use! “Hands” can be many things: emotions, attitudes, obedience, faith, love, confidence, etc. These things can become withered. But, Jesus can restore the strength in these “hands,” making them useful again.
I believe that God wants to help you “stretch out your hand” today. Stretch out whatever is dry and powerless. See it is already restored by the power of Jesus!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that by your power my life is already restored. Help me to listen to your voice when you instruct me to "Stretch out your hand." By faith, I receive the gift of wholeness. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 135.15-21
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see;
17 they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them!
19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
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