Central Truth

It can be discouraging when we put ourselves in the right place and God's answer to our problems is slow emerging. God's blessings can come in unexpected moments. The faithful are ready for those blessings.

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Reflections

One word jumps out at me in this passage. It is a word that I glossed over many times and totally ignored. “Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand.” Ponder this passage in light of that word for a moment. Jesus had been to that synagogue more than once. No doubt the man with the deformed hand was a faithful attendee at the synagogue. He saw the great Healer, Jesus, in the synagogue at a prior time, perhaps many times. Jesus spoke in many of the synagogues so the man might have heard Him speak before in his synagogue. But Jesus had not healed him. God had not met his needs; God had not healed his deepest hurts and physical deformity. Imagine the disappointment in his life. Perhaps he let discouragement grip his heart.

For that Mark 3rd Sabbath no doubt Jesus came to the synagogue unannounced. What if during that Sabbath the man with the deformed hand decided to stay home? Who could blame him? God hadn't answered his prayers for healing. Jesus was in the synagogue before and did nothing for him. His disability made it difficult to go. Everyone was always looking at him. He was a public stigma. He was a burden on his family. It would be better to just remain at home away from others.

This man, however, made a different choice. He chose to put himself in the right place. When Sabbath came he went to the synagogue. When the scriptures were read he heard them. When the people worshiped he worshiped as well. When God appeared he was there!

There is a lesson to be learned here. Put yourselves, brothers and sisters, in the right place before God. Faithfully continue to do that. Then you will be ready for God's blessings for your life.

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Discussion Questions

1. What are ways that you can put yourself in the right place before God today? Will you do it?
2. How does regular attendance in church benefit your faith and that of others?
3. Can you come up with an example of when you were in the right place when God's blessings came?

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