But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath...
--Luke 13:14
When faith becomes formula, it loses purity. Here, a religious leader's preconception caused him to lose sight of three things: 1) A miracle took place right in front of him! 2) A woman who had suffered for 18 years instantaneously and radically had her life changed! and 3) The Miracle-Maker was three feet away! Dude: fall down and worship!
It is easy to be distracted and lose sight. It is natural to want things to work according to our plans and formulas. But Jesus isn't interested in working himself into our plans. Instead, he calls us to himself, to his plan, to the kingdom of God.
Patrick Swayze famously said, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner." Don't try it with Jesus either. It won't work. God doesn't want a segment or a portion of our lives. He wants US. In exchange he gives us HIS life, which is true and eternal.
God, help me to recognize the Miracle-Maker is close and he is still all about changing lives.
For now...
D
