Saturday, June 6, 2011

Reading: Mark 3:1-6

Reflection: We are told here that Jesus was deeply distressed at the stubborn hearts of the people gathered in the synagogue on this particular Sabbath. But the question for me is, "About what were they being stubborn?" The answer seems to be their unreserved commitment to the rules they had developed concerning the Sabbath, even in the face of contrary facts. It seems obvious from Jesus' earlier question that the heart of the law was to do good and save life. However, the people are so committed to their rules that surround the law, that even if those rules make life miserable or even cause death, they will still hold to the rules. In fact, so committed to the religious leaders to this truth, that by the end of this story Jesus' has acted to advance life and the leaders have acted to seek to bring death. As I reflect on this little story, it would do me well to ask myself what areas within my life...particularly my spiritual life...am I stubbornly committed to rules even when those rules limit or harm myself and others. Have I allowed myself to be so committed to the letter of the law, that I have forgotten the heart of the law? If I have, it is time for me to allow the Spirit to bring correction within me, lest Jesus be just as distressed about my behavior in this day as He was with the behavior of the religious leaders in His day.