Arise and Stretch

7 October 2012

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.

· 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= Shame – concealed – withdrawn.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?

· 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!