July 23: He is at work

For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “ My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.    (John 5:16-18 — New King James Version)


Originally the ten commandments were given by God on Mount Sinai for the benefit of mankind and to draw us close to Him. But over time the Jewish religious leaders added volume after volume of man-made traditions to God’s Word until, in the time of Jesus, healing on the Sabbath was banned. This was so far from what God had originally intended that it must have seemed bizarre to the Lord Jesus. And yet, thousands of years later this spirit is still very much alive; religious people continue to twist and add to God’s Word.

Jesus ignored these man-made rules and did what He knew would please the Father. Though he knew the Jews would accuse Him of breaking the Law and slander His name, He went ahead and healed people on the Sabbath. He had not come into the world to please people.

The simplicity of Jesus’ reply to the Jews was so striking: “My Father has been working until now…” In other words, His Father in heaven is always at work, so why should He be any different? The Jews had completely missed the entire point of the Sabbath. It was a day to do more for God, not less.

Isn’t it comforting to know that we have a Savior and a God who take no vacations or days off! Every day and every hour of the day and night They are listening to your prayers, and alert to your needs. They are ready to heal and help whenever you cry out to Them in faith. Isn't it empowering to know that our Savior is God's very own Son, with all the power and authority of God at His disposal. He died for us, rose from the dead for us, and now lives to insure that we develop a strong relationship with Him and that we are protected from all that the devil would like to do to us.