Focus
Turn off your cell phone, TV, or radio. Listen to the silence that is around you. Listen for God to speak to you.
Read
Matthew 9:2-8
2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
Reflect
I like to celebrate things. Birthdays, holidays, Thursdays, whatever. I even made up a birthday for my rescued dog as an excuse to have cake. When something big happens in the life of those closest to me, I want to celebrate it. When something big in my life happens, I want to be celebrated. Don’t you?
Our scripture says Jesus told the man “Stand up, take your bed and go to your home”. Um, why? This guy who has been paralized for who knows how long can’t go out and celebrate? He can’t tell his friends or family? Does he even have friends or family? Maybe he told the man to go home because there was a cake waiting for him.
The truth is we don’t know why Jesus told this man to go home. However, Jesus tells us to do lots of things that are odd to us. We still need to do them. Even in the midst of the most odd things, God is still at work in our lives. If we do not follow what we are called to do, we will miss out on so much.
Pray
Guiding God, I know that you are with me on every journey. Even the ones that sound odd and I don’t want to take. Give me peace as I go where you send me. I know that you will take care of me. Amen
Go with God!
