WEek ending March 7th, 2021
Sunday Service onlinedaily devotional A TOUCH OF THE MASTER'S HAND
Luke 13: 10-17 It was not only the physical condition of this woman that was restored on that Sabbath day. Many scholars point to this text as the place where Jesus restored the dignity of all women. Jesus argues that this crippled woman is of more importance to God than livestock because she is a daughter of Abraham. And so, with the touch of his hand he not only restores her health but her place in the community. It reminds me of the song by the Christian artist Wayne Watson "The Touch of the Master's Hand," which coincidentally the lyrics were a poem written by a woman by the name of Myra Brooks Welch. Listen to her words: Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Thought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile. "What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who will start bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar" --then, "Two!" "Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, twice; "Going for three --" But no, From the room, far back, a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow; Then wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening the loose strings. He played a melody pure and sweet As sweet as a caroling angel sings. The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said what am I bidden for the old violin? And he held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once; three thousand twice; And going, and gone!" said he. The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply: "The touch of the master's hand." And many a man with life out of tune, And battered and scattered with sin, Is auctioned off cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin. A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine; A game -- and he travels on. He's "going" once, and "going" twice, He's "going" and "almost gone." But the Master comes and the foolish crowd Never quite understands The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought By the touch of the Master's hand. I think Ms. Brooks understood what happened to the crippled woman and how one touch can transform a life. When we are touched by Jesus we are never the same again. We are mad whole and reconciled back into relationship with our Lord. Let us never underestimate the value of those around us, they are precious in the eyes of the Lord. May we pray that everyone we meet we see through the eyes of Jesus. God bless, Pastor Barbara |
welcomeGaddis Church is a United Methodist Congregation.
Please explore our website to learn more about us! 141 Hwy 87 | P.O. Box 566
Comfort, Texas 78013 830.995.3813 gaddischurch@gmail.com Sunday Service: 10:00 am Worship Service (in sanctuary or in parking lot) Office Hours: Monday - Thursday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday |Closed www.gaddischurch.org OFFERINGSGaddis Methodist Church is now taking offerings through the following link:
https://tithe.ly/give?c=1471116 Clicking on the link will take you to a secure web page with a form that you may fill out to make an offering to Gaddis UMC. You do not have to login or join, simply fill in the form blanks and donate. It is secure. It is deposited into the Gaddis account with credit to you, the donor, including the type of donation you wish it to be, such as Tithe, Pledge, Discretionary, Rail, etc. You will receive full credit and statement from the website and Gaddis as long as you fill in the giving form completely. The form is set up to allow donations by Credit Card or Bank Account transfer. It is done from your own computer or phone and is safe in terms of secure connection and done remotely from your own secure sanctuary of the moment. Gaddis UMC thanks you for your cooperation and use of this plan. God Bless and keep watching our videos of Church Service. Stay safe and healthy; Stay the Way. |