What Jesus Did! 'Genuine Worship' — Luke 14:1-6

Saturday, September 2, 2023

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?" Again they could not answer.
— Luke 14:1-6 NLT

Key Thought

We often get our priorities so bent out of shape when it comes to worship. We can argue over the style of songs that are sung, the dress that is appropriate, and even the color of the carpet. Yet God seems to be much more interested in the integrity of the heart that worships him than he is in the polished facades we seek to support. God longs to bless people — to forgive them and make them whole. We must never forget this passion of the Father that was so often demonstrated by his Son, Jesus. Let's remember that worship is, in large measure, blessing others as well as honoring God.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please be with me each time I prepare my heart to worship you with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Open my eyes to see how I can bless and strengthen them as I also praise and worship you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 10:23-26
  • Luke 10:30-37
  • John 5:16-17

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, September 2, 2023

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Grow in this Gracious Gift of Giving'
"Dear Child of the Father, You are never more like the Father than when you generously give to bless others, especially others in need. The Father has..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Furthering the Faith' (Ti. 1:1-9)
"Dear Father, the God who never lies, Grant that my life will further the faith of your chosen people and increase their knowledge of the truth that....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don't Share the Altar with Demons'
"Think about the Israelites: Do not those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar? I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Hostility Takes a Road Trip' (Acts 17:13-15)
"But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. The believers..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 14:1-6 NLT — "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" —— "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!