“And he (Jesus) entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matthew 9:1-3 KJV
God of good cheer,
Jesus had just been asked to leave the country of Gergesenes where he had healed a man possessed but it had caused the loss of a herd of swine. He never forces his company on anyone and leaves with good grace. But You also promised to never leave us – those who love Your presence.
Friends made the effort needed to carry a man paralysed to Jesus. Well there were no electric wheel chairs. The writer notes that Jesus saw their faith and hope. I wonder if it was the paralysed mans idea or those that brought him? Or both?
Jesus gave all his attention to the one in need. He addressed Him personally, intimately to put him at ease and then He asked him to be of good cheer. Not to be afraid but cheerful. When ever we bring someone to You through Jesus or we come ourselves we can be of Good cheer. Because You are a good God. We need not be afraid of You even though You are beyond our comprehension, more powerful that anything we can imagine and Holy and all seeing. Because Jesus is our mediator our righteousness and ready to help.
So we can cheer up. Our sins are forgiven and we can walk in holiness again and again and again. If we follow Jesus and allow Him to lead. Miserable Christians? Maybe sometimes. Underneath it all cheerfully forgiven? Always?
In Jesus name, Amen.
God of good cheer,
Help our family, friends, and those we know in our church congregations and fellowships be cheerful about our faith. We ask too that You would meet their needs so they can find reason to be cheerful too. And for those who do not yet know the joy of Your forgiveness – lead them to a place where they can meet You and hear You.
Ukraine, Lord bring an end to the paralysing, deadly war and speak peace into the hearts of those who are driving it. We pray for Canada experiencing a record number of wildfires causing many thousands to be evacuated. Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain there Lord, and stop the fires before they can reach the city of Yellowknife at the weekend.
Thank You for today and all the blessings it holds.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 19th August 2023
Cheer up. The gospel is good news and God is a good good Father.
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, It’s who I am
It’s who I am
Oh, I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only You provide
Cause You know just what we need
Before we say a word
[Chorus]
Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us, aah
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, you’re perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
You are perfect in all of Your ways
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
You are perfect in all of Your ways
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
Lyrics: Chris Tomlin