Lent 2020: Week 4 – Rest

Thursday, March 19th, 2020

Luke 13:10-13

“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.”

The verses for today tells us a story of Jesus teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. He sees a crippled woman and heals her. But immediately the leader of the synagogue were angry and started to quote the law, saying there are six days that work should be done and not on the sabbath. Suggesting the woman return another day. Jesus replies and calls them “hypocrites” pointing out that each one unties his ox or donkey from the manger to get water on the sabbath. The leaders were “splitting hairs” with regard to the law. Rest on the sabbath is to engage in things that draw us nearer to God. Work is subjective in this regard, getting out of bed can be work for some of us, driving to church on Sunday or the day you worship; silly and piety are those who want to point fingers and make acquisitions. Jesus healing on the sabbath, shows us compassion, mercy, grace and love. These are the qualities that we are to extend to one another. We can follow Jesus’ example, when we see others in need, we should do what you can to help. Even offer to help before it is requested, just like Jesus did healing the crippled woman.

During this time of Lent as we continue to navigate REST, is your spirit in need of healing? Often, our needs are sometimes unseen by the naked eye, but God knows our hearts and our thoughts. If we call out to Jesus, He will hear us and offer a soothing ointment to our most vulnerable pains; body, mind and spirit.

• Is there something you need to be set free from?

• Can you call out and claim your pains and aches?

No matter what aliments you are experiencing, physical or spiritual, Jesus is eager to restore you and give you REST.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Practice:

Pray as you rub a little bit of oil on your wrist or hand: “God, I come to you seeking healing. I want to be restored to wholeness. Help me find REST in your compassionate love. Help me find a reason to praise you. Amen.”

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.brittanyhopemusic.com/media

http://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/gnpi-066-stooped-woman/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/