Be a Blessing

even when it is risky

Scripture Reading: Leviticus 20-21; Mark 3; Psalm 45

In our reading from Mark this morning, the chapter begins with the account of Jesus entering a synagogue and encountering a man with a withered hand. Because it was the Sabbath, the Pharisees were watching to see if Jesus would heal this man, not out of curiosity or care, but because they saw it as an opportunity to find something they could accuse Jesus of doing unlawfully.

Jesus called the man to Himself, and then asked this insightful question: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” In response, Jesus received only blank stares. Mark tells us that Jesus looked around with anger, and was grieved at the hardness of heart displayed by the men in the synagogue that day. He then healed the man.

There may be times in life where we have to make a choice between doing what we believe to be the best good for others and not doing it to keep others from being upset with us. In those circumstances, do not let the evil intentions of others hold you back from doing what is right and good. Be willing, like Jesus, to risk being misunderstood or even maligned in order to bless and be a blessing.