October 29, 2021: SOAP #4348:  Job 20; Mark 3-4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 2:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked round at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  The Pharisees had a reason to keep a close eye on Jesus.  They watched him closely with a purpose.  They were looking for a reason to accuse Him.  They knew Jesus healed many people; could they catch him doing it on the Sabbath? 

APPLICATION:  I want to be one who closely watches Jesus at work in the world around me.  I want to be quick to recognize His hand at work.  I want to be watching with a heart of love.  I want to be quick to rejoice and give Him praise when I see Him working in someone’s life.  Sometimes He may even let me have a small part in what He is doing!  

Also, I want to look for opportunities to encourage and appreciate people rather than accuse them.  I want to catch people doing something good, rather than something wrong.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes on Jesus.  Especially bring to my attention the many things Jesus is doing in the lives of those around me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!