LUKE 6:1-11 THE FACE OF HOSTILITY The actions of the disciples as they followed Jesus was observed by the Pharisees in some way. Perhaps they were following Him at a distance to find some way to accuse Him. This brought about an occasion to condemn Him based on the traditions they held and thought were as important as the Word of God. By substituting their opinions for the written law, the challenge as to who men should obey was brought out into the open. The law of Moses made provision for the travelers to get food to eat on their journey. Mercy and grace supersede the rules of men. The action of David and his men in eating the show-bread (Bread of Presence) was used by the Lord as an illustration that doing anything necessary to sustain life does not violate the purpose of the law. The hostility of the Pharisees was against the Person of Christ because they saw their position of authority and its benefits were threatened. He made it plain to them what His authority was when He stated, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Those who opposed Him knew He was identifying Himself as deity.
Hostility against the plain truth of God that is taught in the scriptures is still an issue today among many. Some seek to fulfill the law they say, by the prohibitions they impose on themselves and others. Rather than recognizing the moral nature of the law, they are concerned mainly with the letter of the law. Other people go to the other extreme and ignore the fact that the Sabbath rest of God at the time of creation was man's first day of life. Man rested first and then went to work. The sign to the nation of Israel was to work and then to rest. After the resurrection of Christ, we who have believed on Him have entered into rest already and so apply ourselves to our calling as a result of our rest provided by the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The first day of the week is "the Lord's Day." Our rest in Him is permanent. We honor Him in the things we do on the first day of the week.
Not satisfied with the teaching of the Lord, those scribes and Pharisees went into the synagogue with the malicious intent to find some way to legally accuse the Lord and bring condemnation against Him. Their hostility increased even when He was bringing blessing to the needy. A man with his right hand withered into uselessness was in that synagogue where the Lord Jesus Christ taught. Enforcing His previous teaching about the Sabbath, the Lord Jesus told the man to stand up in the middle of the congregation. While he was standing there, instead of healing the shriveled hand right away, He posed a question to those whose tradition only allowed extreme measures to save a life on the Sabbath day. The question was not only about doing good, but also about not doing good. Is it right to not do good when you can? You either save or destroy. Your either bring recovery or perpetuate misery. The Pharisees might have been thinking, "Why not wait until another day to heal the man's hand?"
It is our obligation to do good when we can. It is wrong when we can do good and not do it. If we do not, we are harming a person. Traditions are of no value when they ignore the necessity of human need. In the first incident, the need of the disciples was food - they needed sustenance. In the second incident in the synagogue the need was to relieve suffering. Anything that relieves and blesses does not violate the divine intention of the law. It is the point of the law to make needs known and then lead one to the solution of the problem. When the Lord looked at each person there, His intention was clear. Do not leave undone that which provides sustenance for the hungry or relief for the suffering ones.
We must never let anything we can do to show grace, love and compassion, go unattended to those in need. The hostility of those against God, against the Gospel and against the teaching of scripture should not stop us from doing what we must, to reveal Christ to the needy. If one is hungry, we are to feed him. If thirsty, we are to give him a drink. Not everyone will agree with what we do, so we must act in the fear of God without fearing the hostility of those who disagree with our actions. There always has been opposition to the plain teaching of the law of God, but it still remains that we are to "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself."
What is it those people need most? Is it not for one who cares? How can we stop to add up the cost? When can we alleviate their fears? The laws and traditions of men can miss What needs to be done for them. When it is within our ability to bless - Then meet the needs of our fellow men.
There are hungry people who need more than food - To relieve the pain of sin within. They are standing where once I stood Convicted by the guilt of sin. When one came to meet my need I was ready To listen to his explanation. With understanding and a voice so steady - From the Bible he explained God's salvation.
Brothers and sister often for unknown reasons Have to go through suffering and pain. God allows things to come for a season That we some understanding might gain. We may never know what is behind some thing, There are reasons unknown to us. But God has a purpose that some suffering brings Lasting benefit when in Him we trust.
There will be those who with hostile intent - Hope to bring a believer down. In some way a rumor is sent That reaches to those in this town, So, they will look on with view askance To make people think we are wrong. But I know nothing happens by chance - God allows it to make us more strong.
When hostility arise, I must simply stay - And do what I know is right. Often the best is only to watch and pray - Not to take up the sword and fight. God knows each action and the reason behind The challenges that we have to face. When walking by faith this I will find - When I am weak, He will give me more grace.
"Father of all grace: in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray that I will never yield to the tendency or pressure to retaliate against those who are opposed to what Thou hast called me to do. Give me I pray, the grace needed to act in a Christ-like way in every time of tension. Amen."