2025 Aug 17th

Word for Today : Stretch your hand to do good

“Stretch out your hand.” – Luke 6:10

It was the Sabbath—a day when the Jewish people were commanded to refrain from various form of works and to rest and worship. As Jesus was teaching in the synagogue, a man entered with a withered hand.

Medically, a withered hand is a condition where knots form in the tissue under the palm, eventually hardening the muscle and pulling the fingers inward. There is no permanent cure. Spiritually, it represents an inability or restricted to do good works.

The irony is that Jesus chose to heal this man on the Sabbath. It seems the man was brought in intentionally so the leaders could accuse Jesus of breaking the law. But Jesus, knowing their intentions, wasted no time. He called the man to stand before everyone and then commanded, “Stretch out your hand.” Immediately, the curled-up hand opened—fully restored for use.

The leaders watched the healing and became furious, plotting against Jesus—not for doing wrong, but for doing good. This reminds us that some people will accuse or oppose you even when you do the right thing. In our world, few seek approval to help, while many are selective about who receives the honor, even placing human-made laws and restrictions on when, where, and to whom good should be done.

This is the spiritual “withered hand” disease—shrinking our ability and willingness to help. But Jesus demonstrates that compassion has no restrictions. There is no set place, time, or person required to do good—just do good.

Bible also teaches, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” – Galatians 6:10

To all who feel their “hand” has withered—whether through fear, criticism, or discouragement—Jesus commands you today: Stretch out your hand. Stretch your horizon. Stretch your ability to do good any time, any where and to anyone.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for the help we have received in every circumstance. Help us, guide us, and lead us to do good to others in all situations. Amen.