Friday, March 7, 2014

John 5:10

The healed man is soon confronted by the Jewish Secure the Sabbath Sacredness Squad. “It’s the Sabbath!” they cry out. “What are you doing?  You shouldn't carry your mat during the sacred hours of the Sabbath!”  John 5:10 EFP

For every person that walks away from a God-given new beginning carrying the remnants of the past, there is another who fails to see a miracle at all and merely focuses on any violation of protocol and propriety.  God has just freed this man from a life of despair and disability.  Legs that don’t work at all hours ago are now walking and carrying a load to boot!  God gives him the ability to walk.  He chooses to carry the burden.  The “propriety patrol” overlooks the walking miracle and decides to set the man straight—he is a law-breaker!  A sinner!

What voice do I hear when I am delivered from my past?  Do I respond to the voice of condemnation or the words of healing and salvation?  They both compete for my attention.  Jesus says, “Ruben, you are healed!”  The evil one shouts, “You are wretched!  The Great Healer declares, “You are restored!”  The Accuser replies, “You are lost and condemned!”  I have to choose daily what voice to believe. 

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