FILLED WITH MADNESS

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

 

FILLED WITH MADNESS

 

Luke 6:6-11

6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

 

          This scene causes bewilderment in the minds of reasonable men. To discuss whether it is right to heal a gnarled hand makes one both cruel and ignorant. Moreover, it involves the Almighty in this cruelty by blaming Him for the delay. God then becomes the withholder of good and kindness. It elevates the Sabbath Day above the One who made it. It is idolatry.

 

          The original word for madness is the Greek word anoia and couples the concepts of stupidity and rage. It is both a loss of reason and restraint. Reasonable and restrained men shake their heads at this soul-less annoyance. We see it in the wild-eyed social protesters with their raised fists and clenched teeth dripping spittle while chanting idiocy.  

 

Prov 3:27

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

 

Lord, if I by my rage can shout down reason, what will I have won? Give me both Thy heart and Thy mind. AMEN