MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 7 SEPTEMBER
September 7, 2026
Psalm 44: What It Teaches us about God’s Power, Faithfulness and Help
September 7, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
7 SEPTEMBER, 2026
Luke 6:6-11
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught,
and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely
to see if he would cure on the sabbath
so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
But he realized their intentions
and said to the man with the withered hand,
“Come up and stand before us.”
And he rose and stood there.
Then Jesus said to them,
“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”
Looking around at them all, he then said to him,
“Stretch out your hand.”
He did so and his hand was restored.
But they became enraged
and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
SUMMARY OF THE GOSPEL
On another Sabbath, Jesus enters the synagogue to teach and encounters a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and Pharisees watch Jesus closely to see if He will heal on the Sabbath, searching for a reason to accuse Him. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asks them whether it is lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it. Looking around at them all, He tells the man to stretch out his hand. The man obeys, and his hand is completely restored. Enraged by this miracle, the religious leaders begin discussing what they might do to Jesus.
REFLECTION
This miracle highlights the stark contrast between the life-giving heart of Jesus and the rigid, cold legalism of the religious leaders. The Pharisees were completely blind to the suffering of the disabled man because they were consumed with tracking rules and finding fault. Jesus shifts the entire focus back to compassion, proving that doing good and healing are always appropriate, especially on the holy day of rest. It reminds us that our faith should never become a tool for judgment or exclusion. Instead, we must allow our hearts to be stretched open by Christ’s mercy, ensuring that love and human dignity always take priority over rigid formality.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your radical compassion and Your power to restore what is broken in our lives. Cleanse my heart from any hidden self-righteousness, judgment, or indifference to the suffering of others. When I feel spiritually paralyzed or weak, give me the faith and strength to stretch out my hand to receive Your healing grace.
Amen
