Take Up Your Bed

And after getting into a boat, he crossed the water and came to his own town. 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.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? 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.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings. Matthew 9:1-8

All of us have had a time in our lives when it felt impossible that we would ever feel good enough to get up. Whether Covid, acute illness, body pain or serious illness has felled us, we would love an instant cure like the paralyzed man received. Many of us have prayed, been prayed over, and still were not able to rise up. Some zealots would tell you that you faith was weak and inadequate. Yet, the man being carried by friends, had been that way for seemingly forever. The religious leaders wanted to squash Jesus. The ill man just wanted to be better, as we all do. This close encounter with the living God made one man well, the crowd filled with awe and the leadership furious. The living God draws near to all of us, calling us to trust in the divine love and healing for all. We just can't control the time.

Gracious Creator, you heart aches for the suffering

your love and healing is meant for everyone

and the world scoffs at faith and divine possibility.

We have all been sick and think you've ignored us

we get angry and think you have forgotten our needs

yet you, O Lord, are drawing near to us every day.

Help us Lord to seek you in every season and moment

trusting that you will provide the healing we need

and ready, when you call, to take up our mat and walk. Amen.