January 13, 2010
Matthew 9
Pastor Stan Wilson
Although I have read and studied Matthew 9 on countless occasions, never before had one phrase consisting of two small words caught my attention as during this particular reading. The words formed a directive spoken by Jesus - first to a paralytic and then to a mother grieving the loss of her daughter. The phrase simply says, “Take Heart.”
Perhaps my curiosity was stirred because I recognized that I wasn’t quite sure what it meant. How does someone “take heart?” It seemed a bit odd. After a few minutes of comparing various Bible translations and paraphrases, accompanied with a prayer asking God to speak through His Word, it became quite clear.
As Jesus spoke to the great need of these two individuals, He spoke words of strength and provision. It was as if He was saying, “Be encouraged. Take your heart from that place of weakness, fear and doubt to a place of complete trust, confidence, comfort and hope. Let your heart be lifted up.”
Those words are not limited to those whom Jesus addressed in Matthew 9. He has a directive for you too. Regardless of your situation or circumstance, you can “take heart” because of the strength found through Jesus. Lift up your heart from that place of uncertainty to a place of complete confidence, comfort and hope found only through His provision for you.
Stan Wilson manages worship and community teams, directs Sunday morning worship services/communications and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.
