John Stanko

"Then Jesus asked them, 'Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?' But they remained silent" - Mark 3:4.

Jesus challenged the Jews to think about how they were approaching their day of rest on the Sabbath. They had defined it as a day to do nothing much but maintain basic activities like eating and worship. Jesus was trying to expand their thinking that it was permissible to do good deeds on the Sabbath, for in doing good deeds, they would be doing what God Himself does not just on the Sabbath, but every day. You also should take your times of rest to consider how to meet the needs of others and to address those needs where you have the power and desire to do so.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Rather than just focus on your own needs as you rest this week, consider the needs of someone else. Visit someone in the hospital, write them a get well card, sit down and write a check to an organization helping those in need, or spend some time in prayer for those in your world who could use God's touch and care. Perhaps you can visit an elderly family member today who would be blessed by your presence.