Good morning! The Lord is a mighty healer. He is in control of all things. Nothing surprises him. He hears our prayers and he has an answer for everything. Continue to trust him. He loves you. Enjoy today’s devotion as we continue reading Matthew chapter 12.

^“9 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue,¹⁰ where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)

¹¹ And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. ¹² And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”

¹³ Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.”So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! ¹⁴ Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.” – Matthew 12:9-14 NLT

I’m amazed by the Pharisees wilfulness to plot against Jesus. However, Jesus used this as a teaching moment. Instead of answering with an immediate yes, he asked another question to allow the Pharisees and the people to understand that his people came before tradition – also it wasn’t unlawful to heal on Sabbath. 

I love the example of the sheep – who is prone to wander.  Sheep were a valuable commodity to the people at that time regardless of the day. If the sheep fell and needed help the Pharisees would save the sheep.

Take aways:

• The Lord desires for us to have more compassion/mercy than religious laws that bind us.
• The Lord will help his sheep (us) anytime on any day.
• He is our shepherd.
• We are our Father’s most valuable commodity. 
• He will save us, regardless of the day, moment or hour.
• He loves us.

It is obvious that the Pharisees were spiritually blind to all the things the Lord/Jesus was doing on earth. However, we don’t have to be. No matter where you are or what you are going through the Lord will rescue you too. Will you believe and accept Him as your Lord and Savior?

Father God, how excellent is your name in all the earth. Lord, you are Creator of all things. The earth sings praises to you. Lord, our hope is in you alone. Lord, we ask for healing to occur in the sick. Lord, we pray for those who are preparing for surgery and ask that you comfort them. Lord, if possible, which we know all things are for you – will you bring healing to their bodies without surgery. Lord, heal and restore the things that aren’t working properly. Increase blood flow and increase movement wherever it’s needed. Lord, equip the doctors with wisdom and knowledge to discern treatment. Lord we pray for those who know you as Lord and Savior. Lord we ask that you strengthen their faith and trust in you.  Lord, build them up and remind them of who you are… Lord, we pray for the broken-hearted and ask for healing in their hearts. Lord, we want to be able to make a difference in the lives of others and bring glory to your name. Lord, we surrender our lives, thoughts and day to you. Change us, Lord. In Jesus name, amen. 

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!

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