When God Breaks My Rules

Scripture: But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Luke 13:14

Observation: Let me get this straight: A woman who was severely disabled for 2 decades, so dehabilitating that she could not even stand upright, was healed instantaneously. On top of that she began to praise God. What is the response of her “pastor?” Indignation that a religious rule had been broken.

Application: How could this religious leader not be thrilled? A woman in his flock who suffered for 18 years has been freed from pain. She is praising God (which is his ultimate goal as a religious professional). Yet he is upset. Upset because he is jealous, maybe? Upset because he is controlling? Upset because God chose to work and did not consult him? All the signs of serious spiritual abuse are here—who legislates when people can and cannot receive healing anyway?

Prayer: God, may I not thwart or condemn your work—even if it falls outside my expectations. Even if you don’t ask my permission first. May I be open to how you want to move and minister in ways that might even contradict “the way we’ve always done it.”