Devotion for Monday, October 13, 2025

“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home” (Mark 2:9-11).

So that You may know, Jesus has done things the way He has done them.  Who can cause another to be made new?  Jesus didn’t just patch up people, He made them new.  Our sin has brought about many of these ills.  The rebellion of this age has brought about disease and infirmity.  Jesus has come so that we may have new life which springs to eternal life.  He tells us to get up and go, so that on the journey we may learn what it means to follow Him.

Lord God, You have taught us that it is in the doing that we learn and grow.  We live in an age where we want things delivered to us.  We behave like consumers.  This world is being consumed.  You have come so that we may live and share what You give.  Help us to learn from You so that we may live life on Your terms and not on our own terms.  Guide us ever deeper into the mystery of the faith, growing as You will grow us, and learning how to be obedient to You in and through all things.

Lord Jesus, I need Your healing.  Sometimes I am paralyzed.  Sometimes I am the scribe.  Sometimes I am a Pharisee.  Help me to be what You will make of me.  Guide me so that I follow, walking each step of the way as You direct.  Help me to understand that I must be active in this life of faith which You have given me.  Guide me now and always to do our Father’s will.  Amen.