What

keeps us from doing good? Sometimes it’s our busyness. Other times

it may be that doing something good is not convenient. Or perhaps we

just don’t want to go against social norms, so we hold back.

Whatever the reason, at one time or another, most of us have passed

up an opportunity to do something good for someone.

The

Pharisees presented Jesus with a difficult situation. Their laws said

it was a violation to do work on the Sabbath, unless it meant saving

a life. But here in the temple was a man with a withered hand. His

life was not in danger, though. Should he be healed on the Sabbath?

Jesus

didn’t even hesitate. He asked the religious leaders what they

would do if something bad happened to one of their precious sheep on

the Sabbath. Of course they would help the animal. And wasn’t a

person more valuable than a sheep? This man with a shriveled hand was

precious to God. So of course this man could be helped on the

Sabbath. Then Jesus healed the man.

Should

anything stop us from doing good for each other? No.

Nothing

stood in Jesus’ way. We are his treasured possessions. He has done

and will do whatever it takes to rescue us and make us whole.

Healing, deliverance, salvation, care—none of these things is

beyond reason for God to act. So nothing should stand in our way

either.