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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 21, 2005 |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, January 21, 2005 By Mike
Martine
Matthew 9:2-8 (New International Version)
2Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their
faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves,
“This fellow is blaspheming!”
4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil
thoughts in your hearts? 5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins....” Then he said to the paralytic,
“Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7And the man got up and went home.
8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who
had given such authority to men.
There is more than one way to be paralyzed.
Most of us, fortunately, never have to experience paralysis of the body—an
experience requiring enormous strength and faith to get through.
But, quite often, we get paralyzed by life. Take, for example, Doc Watson.
Doc Watson is a legendary folk guitarist. Blind since youth, he made his living
playing Appalachian music, mostly with his son, the equally talented Merle
Watson.
In 1985, however, Merle was killed in an accident on his farm. The result was
that Doc, who had already stopped touring beforehand, was thrown into
depression. He had lost not only a son, but also a partner and a best friend. He
lost all desire to play music, to be with others, even to live.
In the midst of his mourning, however, Doc had a dream. He says that in the
dream, Christ reached down to him. And in the dream Christ said—“Get up.
Provide for your family.”
With those words ringing in his head, Doc Watson arose and began a new phase of
his career. A phase that continues even now at the age of 79.
Sometimes life doesn’t just throw stones at us. It throws boulders. And the
result is that our hearts become heavy, our spirits weak, and we start to feel
like we just can’t rise up to the challenges facing us.
But Jesus is always there, caring for us. Jesus is always there, saying,
“It’s all right. I know how the story ends.” Jesus is always there,
saying, “Pick up your bed and walk.”
What we need to do is take that gift of faith he has given, stretch our legs and
try.
When life crushes you, remember, Jesus is there. And with Jesus at your side,
you will find the strength to go on.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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