Restoring the Right Hand

View daily reading plan: Luke 6.6-11

In the sullen silence that greeted His question the Lord looked round about Him with anger (Mark 3:5). They would rather see the man left deformed than lose face. The Lord majestically ignores them and turns to the man – “Stretch forth thy hand”. How the man would rather have concealed it! How shameful to expose our weaknesses and shortcomings, but sometimes this is necessary. As he obeys, the miracle occurs; his hand is restored a perfect match to the other.

Perhaps today we too need to stretch forth our hands in the presence of God and experience His power to restore. David thought he had kept his withered hand well concealed, but eventually came to recognise the need of laying it bare before God: “I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Ps 32:5). Sin must be exposed and confessed before forgiveness and restoration can be enjoyed.

The withered right hand restricted the ability of this man to serve effectively. It is certain that unconfessed sin will have the same effect in our lives.

Friday, 1 March, 2024