Jesus is Essential
Luke 13:14–17: But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
There were people in the congregation who hoped to use this Sabbath violation to accuse Jesus, but He left them so ashamed that they said nothing. The lesson that He taught was clear: Satan puts people into bondage, but true freedom comes from trusting Christ. The Sabbath that God wants to give us is a “heart rest” that comes through His grace and not from obeying traditions. 1
Walking with Jesus
How can you begin to experience “a deeper rest” in Christ? Perhaps releasing your frustrations to Him. Perhaps releasing your lack of control over a situation to Him. Perhaps not looking to the next movie to comfort you. Perhaps dedicating the first 15 minutes of each day to Him as you read His Word and be still before Him.
The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. John 5:15–16
Our hearts can either be arrested by fear, or at rest though faith in Him.
Praying
Lord, thank You for Your mercy, at any hour, on any day. I find my rest in You.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
