1. Introduction
· Jn.7:37-38 “He that believes on me out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”
· Jesus Message – “Kingdom of God is near – within reach”.
· Jesus Purpose – come that you might have Life and may have it more abundantly.
· Indwelling presence of the Spirit of God is designed to flow out to others.
· Ezekiel’s vision – river from the house of God – flow to the lost, dry, people in need.
· Unless there is an outward flow – spiritual life becomes withered.
- purpose of God is frustrated.
2. The Man with The Withered Hand
(a) Key Passages Mark 3: 1 – 6
(b) He entered the Synagogue (v1)
· Synagogue = local church, gathering to worship – called to extend the Kingdom of God.
· Called to represent Christ – extend His hand to the World.
· Prophetic picture of the nation – failing to reach beyond self.
(c) He had a Withered Hand (v1)
· Hand = Works, doing something, activity, productive work.
= Ministry (serving) people.
· Right Hand (Lk 6:6) = main hand you work with.
= Hand of blessing (Mt.25L33)
= Power of God (Exod. 15:6)
· Withered = Dried up, shrivelled, scorched, no life
= Like a piece of fruit left under the bed – withered.
= Not functioning as God intended.
= No extension of the love of God to reach the World.
= Turned inward – turned in on self.
= Shame – concealed – withdrawn.
· What has withered you?
- What caused you to lose vitality, draw back from serving God?
- What caused you to become withered and turn inward?
- Trials and difficulties? e.g. Mt.13:6
- Offenses – bitterness?
- Disappointment – Grief?
- Negative words spoken?
- Spiritual pressure – resistance?
- Fear?
- Unfulfilled expectations?
· You choose your response – becoming withered is a consequence of disconnection.
· Brain Aneurism – can cause hand to become withered
– what are you thinking? What are you believing in your heart?
(d) Jesus Spoke to the Man (v3)
(i) “Arise and Stand Forth”
Arise = to awaken from sleep, inactivity, death, disease.
Heart of the Father is to restore – Jesus came to give life – abundant.
Arise! – must shake off passivity and defeat and inward focus.
Make a decision to stand up on the inside.
Stand Forth! – Don’t hide in the crowd.
Don’t conceal yourself – hide your gift.
(ii) “Stretch Forth”
The miracle is in the stretch – reaching beyond comfort.
“Stretch” = to extend out the hand beyond normal position.
As he stretched the power of God was released.
Don’t wait until you see change – believe and stretch.
(iii) Application – How you can stretch – Be Intentional!
(a) Care for people
· Look for opportunity to do acts of Kindness.
· Smile, appreciation, practical help.
· Generosity to people – let people see reality of your life.
(b) Hear people
· People are isolated and struggle with issues – connect.
· Enter their world – ask questions take an interest.
· What is happening?
· What is their journey?
· What are they concerned about?
(c) Share your Life
· What can you do/give to make their world a better place?
· Your testimony – your journey with Christ – share it!
· What has Christ done for you – let people see it!
(d) Prayer
· Commit daily to pray for people for opportunities.
· Extend your faith to believe for doors to people to open.
· Arise – stretch forth your hand.
Let the life and power of God begin to flow!