He said “Come, here!”

He said “Come, here!”

³ And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.”⁴ And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. ⁵ And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. ⁶ The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

I was going to the synagogue like I did every Sabbath.  The rumors were everywhere that the Teacher and healer might be here again today.  Judging from all of the people walking toward the synagogue something is definitely going to happen.  I gave a few hello nods and moved to the back corner.

Then Yeshua looked over in my direction.  I tried to avoid his eyes.  He then looked at my hand.  Prepared for his reaction like everyone else, I continued to look at his face.  Most were repulsed at the sight of my deformed and ugly hand.  It was of no use to me other than being an extension of my arm.  I don’t know any another person that has had to deal with this kind of pain and handicap.  But his face remained unchanged at the sight of me, of my hand.  I almost think that he accepts me.

Then he said, “Come, here.”  Surely he must be mistaken, why would he want me to come to him?  In fact, he is surrounded by some important people as I noticed their clothing and tassels.  I was never allowed into the important religious places because my hand made me second class, imperfect, not quite good enough.

Before I realized it, some fisherman brought me right into the middle of the circle,  I was with arms reach of Yeshua.  He raised his voice and said, “is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?”  No one answered him a word.  What am I doing standing here?  Why did he call me over, I have nothing to add to this discussion.

Then his face changed from the accepting look to one of disgust and anger.  I felt like I was in real trouble.  I wished I could disappear back into the crowd.  We all felt as if we just became smaller and Yeshua grew taller.  Except for the religious leaders who seemed to stiffen their backs and their face.  Why does a hard heart show itself in the face and body position?  Why would someone not want to do good on the Sabbath?  That doesn’t seem like a bad question.  But the religious leaders reaction definitely ticked off Yeshua.

“Stretch out your hand”, said Yeshua.  I hear the words but my brain can’t understand.  Yes, I wanted to do that all my life.  The movement that is so automatic with the rest of my body, my hand has never cooperated.  But NOW Yeshua is asking me, no he is commanding me.  OH MY, it is moving.  IT is becoming whole.  I can wiggle my fingers.  Tears are welling up at the same time laughter is beginning to overflow.  I’m laughing, crying, smiling, rejoicing all at the same time.  “LOOK, EVERYONE!”  “MY hand is restored”  “thank you Yeshua”.

I will never forget that Sabbath.  I am so glad that I went that day.  I am a miracle and all because Yeshua called me out of the crowd.  I can’t but tell others what he did for me.  Yeshua is good and all that He does is good.

Sincerely,

the miracle of the man who HAD a withered hand

Jesus wants to do good in your life.  He is seeking you out. He knows your pain.  Do not harden your heart, but follow his commands.

Father, thank you that we see the heart of our Father God in the life of Jesus.  He is worthy of all praise and honor.  Father gives us the boldness to believe that you still heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.  There is power and authority in your name.  Thank you that you pursue us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.