STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND


Have you ever experienced being under water for a brief period of time and suddenly you feel like you need to come up for air? Sometimes life’s struggles seem that way to us. You may be going through a situation where you raise your hands and say, “it’s hopeless”. But my friend, it isn’t -trust in the Lord for it is he who “will supply all of your needs. (Phil. 4:19) I know it sounds simple, but it is the truth. Even in Jesus’ time there were those who doubted Jesus and therefore weren’t able to fully understand what he was accomplishing. It says in Mark chapter three:

“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.” (Verse 1)

These men were ready to put Jesus away in prison if he didn’t conform to their legalities. But Jesus had a different agenda. He was not concerned over what they were thinking or their threats; his concern was for the man with the shriveled hand.
He knew the physical need this man had and Jesus was willing to cure him.

“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3: 5-6)

Many thought in their minds, what kind of a man is this Jesus? He was humble; he loved the poor, the sick, and sinners. He did not do things for personal interest, but instead for the sake of others. It was this attraction that brought people to him. Jesus proved to be more than just the son of a carpenter – he was the Son of God filled with power of the holy Sprit. And to show to those who had a stubborn heart the power of God – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:1-6)