Over the years I have come to cherish and protect my time in the morning with the Lord. Being a visual reader, I’ve always tried to picture the Biblical storyline in my mind as I go through the Bible each year. Recently, that practice became intensely personal as I read Mark’s account of Jesus healing the man with the withered (paralyzed) hand.

Most of us cannot sympathize or appreciate the restriction and frustration of physical impairment. We’ve been given healthy bodies and can move about freely at will. We use our hands each day for virtually everything from feeding ourselves to typing a blog. We take for granted the incredible design of the human hand and the ability it affords us to accomplish everyday tasks.

Having recently undergoing carpal tunnel surgery, I was faced with two weeks without the use of my right hand. Thus, physically challenged, I soon learned how difficult even little things like buttoning a button can be. In the midst of my frustration my devotional schedule brought me to Mark 3. Even though I had read this chapter hundreds of times, I was never so captivated by the story of the man with the withered hand. I could identify with this poor guy in a whole new way. I began to imagine what life must have been like for a man in those days without the use of a hand.

Jesus entered the synagogue and called the man out. Jesus, whose name means “Jehovah saves” came to restore, heal, and to save us. This saving has several glorious dimensions. He saves us from sin’s penalty, from the guilt that condemns us all. He also saves us from sin’s power that hinders, frustrates, and makes life more difficult. This aspect of salvation is depicted in the miracles of our Lord. His wonders were physical manifestations of spiritual reality. In the case of the poor guy in Mark 3 such restoration freed him to work again, to become more productive, more independent, and free. His life was forever changed.

As I read the story again, I became that guy! The truths revealed in Jesus’ miracle became incredibly personal as I reflected on how my life has been changed through his grace and power. Jesus restores and enables us to serve him in productive and fruitful ministry. He removes the hindrances of sin and its frustrations from life. Of course, in the flesh we continue to struggle and there will not be complete restoration until that day when Jesus makes all things new. Soul restoration manifests in new freedom and power to glorify God in our bodies!

Reading the Bible isn’t just a daily discipline, it’s a means of grace whereby we perceive the work of God in us.

It’s been over a month since my surgery and it still hurts a bit to do push-ups, but the good news is the surgery worked! The severe pain and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome is gone! And I’m reminded that, though remnants of my former life remain, one day every vestige of sin will be wiped away in perfect righteousness. Though we can only speculate how Jesus’ miracle transformed this man’s life, we can certainly rejoice in Christ’s saving work in our own lives.

Reading the Bible isn’t just a daily discipline, it’s a means of grace whereby we perceive the work of God in us. As you continue to go through the Scriptures this year, put yourself in the story. Project yourself into the narrative and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the truth of your own transformation home to your heart.