Often, it seems, Jesus spent the Sabbath teaching in synagogues. Word of His teaching, must have been spreading like wildfire, for everywhere He went, there were both those in need, and those who hoped to trap Him in some sort of violation of the law. In Luke chapter thirteen, verses ten through seventeen, there is an account of Jesus healing a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen long years. “When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.” – (vs. 12-13)
The synagogue ruler had his undergarments in a bunch, and was outraged that Jesus would dare to heal on the Sabbath. “The Lord answered him, ‘You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” – (vs. 15-16) His opponents were left without words to respond, for there was no arguing with such profound truth. All who had seen the miraculous, marveled at the wonderful things that He was doing.
When we see someone in need, do we respond immediately, or do we rationalize reason to not respond?
Though there are times and places that genuinely prevent us from physically getting out of the car and moving in the direction of the need, can’t we at the very least, lift up a prayer on their behalf? We cannot always do something tangible to be of help, but we can always pray. God knows each need far better than we do, and when we pause to pray, we give Him opportunity to speak to us as well. Perhaps there is something specific that we are meant to do, but unless we stop to listen, we miss the miraculous that He had intended. Sometimes the miracle is meant for another, yet, at times, it may be something new, moving within our hearts.
When we see a need,
let us stop and pray;
show us what to do,
Lord, You lead the way.
A touch or a gift,
a smile, or prayer;
every need known,
God, You are aware.
Please make known to us,
what we’re meant to do;
to show Your great love,
so we honor You.
Let hearts found in need,
know their needs are met;
by You alone, God,
not one You’d forget.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us the way to prioritize people. Thank You Jesus, that touching lives trumped man-made rules and regulations every time. Thank You that above all – You loved, and continue to love. Forgive us for having hearts that resemble the synagogue ruler, who set limits as to when and what could be done. Help us to recognize that with You, there is no limit – for You are our Source and Supply. Whatever You call us to do, You will also equip and empower us to complete. Our part, is to step forward in faith. Teach us to trust You more. May we live and move and do all things out of our love for You, and may many come to see Your heart for them as a result. Let lives be changed and hearts turned toward You. Be glorified God. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
Revelations In Writing 
Reblogged this on My Soul Dances Devotionals.
I really like this! I’ve always had that tension in my soul when it comes to helping. I know busyness can lead me to have a list of excuses in a nanosecond. I also know what it’s like to be in need and know everyone is too busy to give me a thought. I want very much to remember to pray at least, and stop to be in the moment with them at best. God willing, there will be change in me.
May we all grow together in this area, as it can be so overwhelming to see so much need and even try to grasp where exactly we are meant to begin. I am finding that when I don’t feel a specific prompting, the very least I can do is pray, yet it is still a learning process… What a blessing to know that we are all a work in progress! Blessings to you!
😀