Jesus now spoke directly to the paraplegic: “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.
Luke 5:24-25 MSG
Healing. Complete healing. From the Healer Himself. This guy had been a paraplegic for a long time, lying on his bedroll for years. And what does Jesus say to him, “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.”
I don’t know about you, but I would definitely want to leave that years-of-stench bedroll at the scene. Certainly not take it home with me! After all, I’m healed! I’m new! I’m free from the handicap that held me captive to that bedroll for so long.
But, the Healer had spoken, so without a moment’s hesitation, he did it. Got up. (There’s the first miracle!) Took his filthy, stained blanket. (Jesus told him to do so.) Left for home. (Had not entered the door of his home for years.) And, here’s the best part! Giving glory to God all the way! (He knew whom to thank!)
Is that what I do? Do I intently listen to Jesus and immediately do as He says? Remembering that “delayed obedience is disobedience.” Do I question that this “miracle” is for me? Whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual? After all, Jesus is in the Miracle Business.
Lord, help me to get up immediately and exercise the bold belief of
the paraplegic.
