Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
TUESDAY, July 14
Mark 2:1-12. Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?
A paralytic has his sins forgiven. Jesus sees into the hearts of the scribes who are critical of his forgiving the sins of a paralytic. Then the paralytic receives the gift of being able to walk.
One might assume that the paralytic's friends brought him to Jesus to have his legs healed. But I think that just as he did with the scribes, Jesus saw into the heart of the man and knew it was forgiveness he sought, not walking. The miracle of walking was a bonus gift.
I can compile a list of the things I want God to do for me, my family, and my friends. He hears my petitions throughout each day. I imagine he has my prayers and supplications memorized.
He also peers into my heart to thoughts and feelings I may not acknowledge. It occurs to me that my family and friends have long held me up and carried me spiritually, often with diligence and creativity, toward our Lord when I could not do so alone.
I must examine my heart to find what God already knows. Asking forgiveness will be my first request. Then I will be more capable of carrying others to him.
PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Himalayas (North India)
Ps 26, 28 * 36, 39; 1 Samuel 19:1-18; Acts 12:1-17
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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