The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1933-01-28
A SABBATH SERVICE IN
a SYNAGOGUE

An example of asSertive sab
bath observance was given by
Jesus during sabbath service in
a synagogue. The work Of mercy,
desirable on the sabbath, is exem-
plified in the healing of the man
with withered hand during q
synagogue service.
CD There was the afflicted
man. He had a withered hand. 1t
is said that he was a stone mason,
that it was his right hand that
was afflicted and that it was not
merely paralyzed but partly dried
up.
(2) There were the vigilant cri-
tics. Strange to say, the sanctu-
airy had it's critics and its worship
was tinged with cyniciSm. Their
chances and nudges and whispers
bespoke the venom in their hearts
toward Jesus and their desire to
entrap him for healing on the sab
bath.
(S) The Masters command was
given and he would not be deter
red from a work of mercy by his
critics. So he told the afflicted
man to stand forth before the
audience. That was a striking
group; Jesus, the patient, the cri-
tics, the onlookers with their cur
iosity aroused to the highest pitch.
(4) Listen to the unanswered
query Jesus could have healed
the man at once, but first of all
he dealt blow at his flinty cri-
tics, striking out a spark that
would illuminate the future: "Is
it lawful on the sabbath day TO do
good or to do harm?" The critics
could say nothing in reply and so
in silent rage and chagrin they
simply held their peace.
90 Observe the compassionate
cure. The Great Physician was
not, by the hardness of their
hearts or his anger thereat, hin
dered from his gracious work of
mercy. "Stretch forth thy hand"
was the word to the poor patient
who Immediately obeyed only to
find his hand completely restored.
(6) There was the counsel Of
foes. The people at large must
have been profoundly moved by
the miracle. The healed man, of
course, would be an effective wit
ness to the power and mercy of
the Great Physician. But his foes
were stirred thereby to greater en-
nifty. Opposing parties, including
the religious PhariSees and politi-
cal HerodianS united against him,
and so intense was their burning
hate that they began laying plans
to destroy him. 1t is a sad pic
ture: The worlds Saviour speak
ing as man never spake, and work
ing as man never wrought, hound
ed by his foes and finally hunted
to his death on the cruel cross.
DEDICATE THE LORDS
DAY TO THE LORD
1 He is Lord Of the Day.
Certainly he does not vacate his
throne on that, or any other day.
True observance is in obedience
to him. His word and will should
be our law. He who is our Mas
ter is Master Of his own day.
(2) He made the Day. He is
the source of its light. He set it
apart from the other days. He
santified and blessed it. 1t is one
of his best gifts.
go He made the Day for Man.
Indeed he made it for no other
purpose and for nobody else. 1t
is part of the divine philanthropy.
1t is devoted to human welfare. 1t
is for the best. interests OF the
race.
/ (4)He made the Day for Wor-
ship. Jesus himself set a good
example. From childhood he at
tended divine services on the sab
bath. On the day of the Lord the
people of the Lord should gather
at the house of the Lord for wor'
ship of the Lord.
(5) He made the Day for Eel
lowship. Is there anything bette,
than to be with the best people
on the best day? The disciples
were with each other and with the
Master in the sanctuary service