Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Matthew 12:9-14 (NRSV)

He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

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Reflect

We have a saying in the south about folks who worry over insignificant things and let the big things go without much thought: “He is straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.” Jesus understood and lived out the truth of God’s way more fully than anyone who has ever walked the earth. But those who strained at gnats and swallowed camels accused him of being a lawbreaker. They let the letter of the law get in the way of the purpose of the law, which was to serve and protect God’s people. Jesus challenged the Pharisees to see things in a different way.

Let us remain near to our Lord in prayer, in scripture, and in daily life. May our life be a reflection of the spirit of truth that springs from God’s great love and amazing grace for all of God’s children.

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Pray

Loving God, help us to keep our priorities straight. Guide us by your Spirit and lead us daily to live out your way of truth and grace. Fill us to overflowing with your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Go with God.