Mark 2:11

New International Version (NIV)

“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

For meditation

It was a simple thing for Him, but they could not perceive it. The creative Word of God stood in human flesh before them; but the teachers of the law refused to recognize Him. Not that their denial could change anything; it was just a pity for the premier objects of God’s “grace and truth” to choose to drown in the depth of ego and jealousy (Jn. 1:1-5, 19-11, 14). But that’s the same sad story of today’s generation. However, there were – and still are – those who had nothing to hold on to, but their faith.

They came as they were and received forgiveness for their sins. They came to experience the healing power of the Savior they did not completely recognize, but sensed His powerful presence. His speech pierced their hearts with authority. The wonder of His miracles mesmerized them; so, they came just as they were – even when there was no room for them and a hole had to be dug through the roof to let down their paralyzed friend (Mk. 2:1-12).

But glory to God! No one who displays such faith in Jesus escapes His attention and compassion.

“”Son, your sins are forgiven.”

“Blasphemy!” they said.

“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

End of argument; for His command had authority, and His words were embedded with power to heal. The paralyzed man’s bones, sinews, and muscles heard the voice of their Creator and responded. He “got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.” Amazed, all the people praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

This is the same Jesus, your Savior and Lord. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

1. So, what is your problem?
2. Have you, by faith, gone to Jesus in prayer concerning your situation?
3. Has He said anything to you – directly or through a promise that jumped out of the pages of His written word?
4. Can you exercise your faith to receive the power and authority of His word and simply obey?
5. Why then are you wallowing in self-pity as before, paralyzed by fear and immobilized by unbelief, when mercy has been released by your Master to arrest your situation, and grace for a new beginning (Heb. 4:16)?

I pray you overcome that fear and let faith carry you on its wings into the power and authority of God’s promises, which have always been “Yes” in Christ (1 Cor. 1:20).

So: Say “Amen!” to it for the glory of God, and experience a joy you never knew before.

Shalom