MATTHEW 12:12
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
TO PONDER
I find it somewhat paradoxical to read Matthew Chapter 12 and then try to put this into the wider context of our current LifeWay sermon series, ‘Closer to Jesus’ and this current week’s theme ‘From Sunday to Everyday’.
In Matthew’s Gospel reading for today, the Pharisee’s are challenging Jesus for not obeying the divinely instituted day of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. Disrespecting the rhythm of work and rest established by God, during His creation of the world over a 6-day period and His subsequent rest on the 7th day, once His work had been completed.
Jesus is being questioned and ridiculed for not taking one day off and respecting the Sabbath!
We (LifeWay disciples and anyone reading this devotion) are being challenged to not cover up the light of Jesus that He burns within us, with a dish or bowl during the Monday to Saturday period, only to then uncover it for the light to be seen on Sundays.
For Jesus then, it’s why can’t you or why don’t you obey the Sabbath (one day of the week), whilst for us it’s why can’t we or don’t we let Christ’s light within us shine every day? – (7 days a week, not just on Sunday’s).
Well Jesus has the answer for both the Pharisee’s and for us. Christ’s work is that important and urgent that it should be our first and sole focus. As disciples of Christ, we are to strive to live Christ-like lives letting Christ’s light be seen by everyone, everyday.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. You demonstrated by your actions here on earth, the criticality and urgency of Your work. I ask that You encourage me to keep Your light within me uncovered, so everyone I come into contact with every day of the week, experiences You living within me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping.