“THE FINGER OF GOD” (LK 11:20)

“…but will not lift a finger to lighten them.” –Luke 11:46

Jesus does not show us our sins to condemn us, but to save us (Jn 3:17). He illuminates our sins to show us the damage they have caused, and also to show us how we cannot erase that damage by our own efforts. Only Jesus can pay that price (Is 26:18; Ps 49:8-9). We must allow Him to pay it.

Jesus’ standards are even higher than those of the Pharisees and the scholars of the law (Mt 5:18). Jesus is most definitely not lax on sin; He takes sin so seriously that He was crucified for our sins. The difference between Jesus and the Pharisees isn’t that Jesus lowers the demands of holiness. It is that, with Jesus, carrying the demands of holiness is a burden that is easy and light (Mt 11:29). Also, unlike the Pharisees, Jesus does much more than lift a finger to help those burdened down by sin (Lk 11:46). He bears, or carries, our burdens (Is 53:4). He carried our cross even before it was ours.

The original Greek text of 1 Cor 13:4 that is translated “love is kind” means “love bears one another’s burdens.” Jesus is love (1 Jn 4:8, 16) and He graces us to live out the high standards of holiness. Give your life to Jesus and let Him carry your burdens. “Trust in Him at all times” (Ps 62:9).

PRAYER: Jesus, I accept Your yoke (Mt 11:29-30). Thank You for walking beside me and carrying my burden. I am all Yours.
PROMISE: “There will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who has done good.” –Rm 2:10
PRAISE: Thomas distributes Presentation Ministries’ Bible teaching literature to those in prison.