Encounter #8:

The Crippled Hand

Read: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus was in the synagogue again teaching. A man with a withered, shriveled, paralyzed, crippled hand was also there. According to Jewish Law this man shouldn't have been in the Temple because he was considered unclean. But he has a need. The Pharisees were watching whether Jesus would heal this man on the Sabbath day. Are you looking to Jesus to do something for you no matter what this day is like?

The man was told by Jesus to stand up and be in front of everyone. It wasn't to embarrass him but it was for him to exercise his faith. Jesus asked the crowd if it was better to do good or evil, or to save a life or to kill on the Sabbath. The obvious answer was: to do good and to save a life. But everyone was silent. Jesus was moved with anger and compassion. Anger towards the religious man-made doctrines. But compassion towards the crippled man. God is always grieved and deeply distressed towards those with stubborn hearts, who practice unrighteous acts and injustice.

Jesus told the man to stretch out his crippled hand. He did! We need to stretch our faith. The man was completely restored. Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath day. The religious leaders plotted against Him to kill Him. Their hearts were hardened towards the Messiah.

Remember, God loves righteousness and hates wickedness (Heb. 1:9). Jesus still has compassion and mercy on those who are “crippled” by sin and addictions. He offers forgiveness and deliverance. Whatever has you crippled, stretch forth your faith in Jesus and ask Him to heal you.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I ask in faith to heal me of this thing (name it) that has me crippled. I receive the deliverance, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: Walk in faith and let the Holy Spirit use you to heal someone who is crippled by sickness, sin or an addiction. Stretch your faith.

Encounter Jesus: Use the faith you have and receive your deliverance from what has you crippled. Jesus loves you and has compassion towards you. Receive His forgiveness and healing now.