Frustration of Evil
January 19th, 2010Chapel Daily Lectionary – Adapted From Evangelisches Tagzeitenbuch Epiphany II: Mark 3:1-6 And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him.
We learn from this passage that sometimes even when we try to do good others, our good works motivate hate in those who are evil. Jesus did a good work by healing the man but his enemies were looking for an opportunity to discredit him and when he confronted them with the truth they were even more angry to the point of plotting with their enemies to kill him. Hate could make strange bedfellows. As those called by Christ we must always do his will even if by doing so we encounter hate from others who are frustrated because of your good works. Let us pray from Jeremiah 17:13-17 O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed. “Those who depart from Me Shall be written in the earth, Because they have forsaken the LORD, The fountain of living waters.” Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise. Indeed they say to me, “………….. You. do not be a terror to me; You are my hope in the day of doom. Amen
New King James Version, Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.
