Part of my daily prayer is to slowly read a Psalm (or part of one) and a segment of one of the Gospels, lectio divina style. When I get to the end, I simply begin again. Between my distractions and God’s revelation in layers, I always glean something new each reading, a word or phrase that stands out, a new insight, a life application. Even though I have read the same passages for years, I am constantly amazed at the ‘freshness’ of the words.
Yesterday I was reading Luke 6: 6-11 – the healing of the man with the withered hand (on the sabbath). Totally aware that he was being watched, Jesus healed the man’s hand. But, what jumped out at me this time was that Jesus did not heal it in secret because of the sabbath. He did not go to the man quietly or pull him to a corner. No, Jesus said to the man, “Get up and stand here in front.”
Was he flaunting his divinity? No, that isn’t who he is. He simply had something to do, something to teach, and no fear because he was acting out of love. He taught them then, he teaches us now, that love can break rules. Love should break rules.
When I think of some of the things that go on today, actions and deeds that are done and disguised under rules and doctrine, I think of this passage. ‘Get up and stand here in front.’ Our loving deeds and our loving words should be ‘up front’. The consequences may not be wonderful, just look at Jesus…but it is the right thing to do. Love breaks rules.
Three things remain…and the greatest of these is love.
Reflections on the Journey 
The freshness of words, the importance of not letting rules get in the way of the spirit, letting love stand up in front…all very valuable. 🙂 I do believe that the clear instructions of the bible are meant to be followed; for example, those of Paul and Jesus, and not limited to these two… yet I think that rules exist as guidelines. When they can be directly applied, it is good to do that and not break them just because we don’t feel like following them. (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”)
In more confusing/indirect situations, we seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of the scriptures. (We’re fortunate to have the complete scriptures.) Today my prayer is for wisdom and discernment. 🙂
I agree Jade. Jesus gave us new guidelines, directed by love, and that makes all the difference. Jesus put people before rules…
What a wonderful post- the answer to the constant challenge to know what to do and the wrangling of mind is answered beautifully here.
I needed this today Andie, Thank you
Blessings
Oh Phil, thank you….I face the same sort of struggles. Jesus never waivered, even when faced with his death.
Thank you for sharing with us the gleanings of your prayers. As Jade and Phil said, it is fresh, beautiful and inspiring. Inspired 🙂
Blessings, Andie, and thank you.
Thanks so much, Claire. It’s all there, just takes some quiet reflection on my part for it to (finally) sink in.