Showing our Hand
Luke 6:8-10
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.
For some reason I don’t like to admit my weaknesses. I don’t like to admit my mistakes, mess up’s or mishaps. Of course, I would like for everyone to think that I am perfect and never make a mistake…NOT! (My kids would be quick to agree!) Just the other day, standing in line at Whole Foods I dropped a big jar of spaghetti sauce right there in the check out line…during the lunch hour…crowded lunch hour…with everyone staring. I hated it. Spaghetti sauce EVERYWHERE. I felt like I needed to either run (far, far away) or get a rag and clean it up myself. I did neither. I smiled, apologized, paid and walked out as fast as I could. (I may never buy spaghetti sauce again)
I have lots of things in my life that need “fixing”. I need to learn how to relax more…say “no” more…go to bed at a decent time…eat supper before 9:00 pm, love more freely, laugh more often, and did I mention relax more? God knows all these things about me. He, even more than me, knows what needs “fixed”.
I love this story about the man with the shriveled hand. He has something that needs “fixed”. He’s sitting in church, minding his own business…trying to hide his shriveled hand. Have you ever been somewhere, minding your own business and trying as best you can to remain anonymous…when all of a sudden…you drop a jar of spaghetti sauce???? Sitting in church with his hand in his jacket…this man needed “fixed” and Jesus was about to “fix” him. But, the man had a part to play.
The key to being “fixed” by Jesus is this…we have to show Him what needs “fixing”. Jesus actually called this man up in front of everyone. Then He did the unthinkable. He asked the man to show Him his hand. Now, the thing that strikes me here is this…had it been me…I probably would have shown Jesus my good hand. “Here, look at this one Jesus…nothing wrong here…no help needed…perfectly fine…see?” But, not this man…he immediately brings the shriveled one out of hiding and into plain view for EVERYONE to see. The result? COMPLETE RESTORATION.
Because he was willing to take out of hiding and bring into view what needed fixed…the One who was able to fix it did just that. I learn a great lesson from this man who doesn’t even have a name in Scripture. Just “shriveled hand man”. He didn’t run the other way…didn’t try to fix it himself…didn’t hide the problem. He stood there in front of Jesus and said this, “Look at this…I know it’s pretty ugly Jesus but here it is. I know it needs fixed and I can’t do it, but I know you can.” When I am willing to admit the areas in my life that need fixed by Jesus, He can then come in and start making the necessary repairs.
Even if the jar is completely broken. Even if I think it can’t be fixed. Even if I think I can never change or there’s no hope. He doesn’t say…”you clean it up”…He says…”hold it out so I can see it”…and then somehow He completely restores.
I am learning that I can’t continue to hide those things in my life that need fixed. I must take them out and let Jesus do what He does best…completely restore.
Showing my hand and sending much love,
Debbie
