Pastor's Corner - 8/19

In Luke 13, Jesus meets a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. She could not straighten herself, but Jesus saw her, called her forward, and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity” (Luke 13:12). Immediately she stood upright and glorified God.

Her story reminds us that Jesus gives what we cannot provide for ourselves. We cannot free ourselves from the power and guilt of sin. We need to receive his freedom, trusting in the grace he gives through his death and resurrection.

But not everyone celebrated. The synagogue ruler cared more about Jesus healing on the Sabbath than about the woman standing before him. Jesus saw what the ruler failed to see. She was not a problem to be debated. She was someone who needed mercy. Having received Christ’s mercy, we are called to reflect his compassion toward others.

Jesus then spoke of a mustard seed and yeast. Both begin small, and much of their growth remains unseen. God is often working when we cannot see it. We can rest in his work, trusting him with what we cannot control.

Dear Church, receive his freedom, reflect his compassion, and rest in his work. Jesus is still at work, even when we cannot see it.