THE WORD SIROCCO
Friday, November 27, 2020
Month Theme: Restoration
Topic: Stretch Forth Thine Hand
Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:1-13
Main Text:
Matthew 12:13
13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
Jesus Christ had an encounter with a man with a withered – shrivelled, crippled, paralysed – hand in the SYNAGOGUE. The word withered in the above scripture reference is the Greek word xēros meaning dry, arid, shrunken or earth as opposed to water. There are many withered things, people, families, businesses and ministries in churches (the synagogues) today.
Jesus Christ defied all odds and commanded the man with the withered hand to stretch forth his hand. He defied the condition of the hand and the prohibitions of the Sabbath. Restoration of the withered hand involved many things including:
1. Strength
The ability to carry weight. The man could now carry weights. We have the ability to carry others and things in this season (Hebrews 12:12).
2. Reach
Breaking the limits. Going beyond where this season allows and doing what nobody has ever done (Isaiah 54:2-3).
3. Beauty
Nice to look at. The man’s hand was restored in beauty. We will not lose our beauty in this season (Isaiah 61:3).
Although there may have been many “withered hands” in the synagogue, the man exercised faith in Jesus’ command and his hand was restored. You need quality Christian life to live a quality life. He was planted by the rivers of water and his leaf did not wither (Psalm 1:1-3).
Prayer: Pray for life for any withered thing around you.
Recommended Reading:
"The Jubilee" by Eastwood Anaba
(Find e-books at www.amazon.com)
www.eastwoodanaba.com