He said to the paralytic,
“I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”
MARK 2:11
Jesus has authority to forgive sins on earth. He came not to judge, but to save those who believe in His worth. He healed the sick, the lame, the blind, and the deaf. He showed compassion, mercy, grace, and love in every breath. He offers us forgiveness, new life, and peace with God inviting us to follow Him, and share in His reward.
Rise, pick up your mat and walk. This is the call that Jesus makes to all who are weary and burdened and need His rest and healing grace. Think of Jesus in your heart and keep your faith in Him alive. He is the source of light and life who loves you with an everlasting love. He died for you to make you right. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother, comforts you in times of trouble and guides you by His Holy Spirit.
1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” (Mark 2:1-12)
The Lord is your one true king who rules over your life. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He knows you by name, and He calls you His child. He has a plan and a purpose for you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Whatever you request, the Lord will grant if you ask in faith, and according to His will. He knows what you need, and He cares for you. He is able to do immeasurably more than you can imagine.
Do not compare yourself with others. You are unique and special in God's eyes. He made you in His image and likeness and gave you gifts and talents to glorify Him. Trust in the Lord's timing, and wait for His answer. He is faithful to His promises, and He will never fail you. He works all things for good, and He has a plan for you. He is sovereign overall, and He will accomplish His purpose.
4 All the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.” 6 Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, 7 who said in answer: “Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king. 10 Samuel delivered the message of the Lord in full to those who were asking him for a king. 11 He told them: “The rights of the king who will rule you will be as follows: He will take your sons and assign them to his chariots and horses, and they will run before his chariot. 12 He will also appoint from among them his commanders of groups of a thousand and of a hundred soldiers. He will set them to do his plowing and his harvesting, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. 13 He will use your daughters as ointment-makers, as cooks, and as bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. 15 He will tithe your crops and your vineyards, and give the revenue to his eunuchs and his slaves. 16 He will take your male and female servants, as well as your best oxen and your asses, and use them to do his work. 17 He will tithe your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When this takes place, you will complain against the king whom you have chosen, but on that day the Lord will not answer you.” 19 The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said, “Not so! There must be a king over us. 20 We too must be like other nations, with a king to rule us and to lead us in warfare and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel had listened to all the people had to say, he repeated it to the Lord, 22 who then said to him, “Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them.” (1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22)
The Lord is the splendor of our strength. He is the beauty and the glory of our lives. He fills us with His power and His grace and makes us shine like stars in the sky. He blesses us with His favor and His love and makes us exalt our horn in praise.
In the light of your countenance, O Lord, we walk. You are the lamp to our feet and the light to our path. You show us the way of truth and life. You guide us by your word and your Spirit. You are the king of glory and the Lord of hosts. You reveal to us Your majesty and power and invite us to Your presence and Your throne.
16 Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk. 17 At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted. 18 For you are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. 19 For to the Lord belongs our shield, and to the Holy One of Israel, our King. (Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19)
Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. I humbly come before You today, broken in heart and spirit, but strong in faith that only You can heal me and make miracles in my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and grant me the grace and favor to rise up and be whole again, free from any sickness and pains, and strong and ready to face the challenges of everyday living. Thank You so much for granting my prayer requests and petitions even though I am not deserving of Your grace and favor. With much love and praise I pray. Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE HEALING OF A PARALYTIC
Mark 2:1-12
REQUEST FOR A KING / GOD GRANTS / RIGHTS OF A KING / PERSISTENT DEMAND
1 Samuel 8:1-5 / 6-9 / 10-18
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
A LAMENT OVER GOD'S PROMISE TO DAVID
Psalm 89:1-53
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat
