Hop On, Hop Off

Many years ago we were introduced to a new way of seeing a city, being, by bus: hop on, hop off.  This was perfect! being able to pick and choose, focus on the micro but see the macro.  But travel can be the same by any conveyance, no different by boat, as most cruises have the same model.  Trains and planes?

“Back in the boat,” simply meaning they had hopped off and it was time to hop back on, “Jesus and the disciples recrossed the sea (of Galilee) to Jesus’ hometown.  They were hardly out of the boat (hop off) when some men carried a paraplegic on a stretcher and set him down in front of them.  Jesus, impressed by their bold belief, said to the paraplegic, “Cheer up, son.  I forgive your sins.”  Some religion scholars whispered, “Why, that’s blasphemy!”  Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why this gossipy whispering?  Which do you think is simpler: to say, ‘I forgive your sins,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?  Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . .”  At this he turned to the paraplegic and said, “Get up. Take your bed and go home.”  And the man did it.  The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorized Jesus to work among them this way.”  No longer did the man have to “hop” on and hop off his stretcher. 

Father, oh the simple freedoms You allow us to enjoy, even to the point of walking with You, and trusting You for our all, the direct result of Your Messiah, as we’ve seen here in action.  As we hop on and off in our daily comings and goings, may we do so to Your pleasing,  “heartily and freely to Your glory, and considerate of everyone’s feelings,” uninhibited by me as You work Your saving Grace in their lives.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭8‬, 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭MSG‬‬ ‬‬