Matthew Study 9:7

"... and he arose and departed to his house..."

Following the commands of Jesus may cause us to abandon political correctness and rise into Kingdom Correctness.

This poor paralytic finds himself between a Rock and a hard place. Jesus is forgiving him of his sin and telling him to walk go home in the power of his healing. The religious scribes are scrutinizing the act and accusing Jesus of blaspheming God.

What does the paralyzed do when hearing the words, "Arise, take up your bed and go..."? What will he do? All eyes are on him. Does he succumb to the old wineskin of political correctness, becoming once again paralyzed ecclesiastical protocol? Or, has he become so transformed through his encounter of the Living God that he has become blissfully unaware of what others might think?

When a person chooses to rise into the obedience of the Word they are automatically affiliated with that same Word. This paralytic had a choice. He knew he would either authenticate the teachings of Jesus, or keep them hidden - though no less True - simply by his testimony. When we choose to testify, we both lend credibility to, and associate with, the Master. It's a win-win. He gets the glory, we arise to New Life.

It's a glorious combination, regardless of what others think.

There may be an opportunity for you this day to do just that - to rise in the power of the word, giving testimony to Christ - even if your witness is outside the box. That will the be hour of your decision. Will you succumb to the political routine and, in so doing, deny others from seeing a glance of your Lord? Or will your obedience follow the heels of your experience of the Living God and, tossing your mat aside, "arise and go home?"