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, September 28
Luke 5:12-26. Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Stand up and walk”?
Jesus tells the paralytic that his sins are forgiven. The Pharisees are furious, charging blasphemy, because forgiving sins is God’s business. So Jesus commands the paralytic to take up his bed and walk. The healing miracle does not prove that Jesus is authorized to act on God’s behalf in forgiving sins, but it does present a challenge to the Pharisees. Can such healings be allowed if Jesus is an arrogant blasphemer who insults God?
We have been forgiven, too, in our baptism and many times since. But God’s mercy may not be clear either to us or through us. Have we changed our behavior because we belong to Christ and have been forgiven in Christ? A life changed by Christ’s action gives witness to those not yet believing. If we do our part in opening the way to God’s will in our lives, we will be changed. Our changed lives may not bring anyone to believe in Jesus’ forgiving power, but we do not know that. Someone’s conversion may depend upon our starting to walk. (1990)
PRAY for the Diocese of Idaho (Province VIII, USA)
Ps 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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