Persevering Priorities (Luke 6:6,7)

On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. (Luke 6:6, 7 NASB)

These events happened on a different Sabbath from the grain field grazing, and, of course, the "Sabbath police" (the scribes and Pharisees) were watching to see what Jesus would do. They didn't care one bit about the man or his withered hand. All they cared about was continuing their argument with Jesus. The great thing is that Jesus didn't care one bit about their silly arguments. He cared about the man and his withered hand. 

What a picture of priority! Don't forget that Jesus, the God-man, already knew how things would turn out for Him. He already knew the cross was coming and that the scribes and Pharisees would be instrumental in nailing Him to that cross. Even so, he did not hold back. His priorities were the same, regardless of who was watching or what they had the power to do to Him. 

What priority do the needs of others have in your life?  In mine? Are we as concerned about those in need when others are watching as when they are not?  How does our behavior vary based on who is watching us?  

2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us, "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chronicles 16:9a NASB). The only eyes with which we should concern ourselves are the eyes of God. He's looking for those whose heart is totally available to Him. What will He see when He looks your way?

Pray today that our hearts would be so focused on our Lord and the things that concern Him that it will be apparent to all those who look our way. Pray, too, that our loved ones will recognize the concern of God for their situation, and will call out to Him for divine intervention.