Matthew 9:1-8

Matthew 9:1-8 
English Standard Version (ESV)

 Dictators can never rule the heart and mind -- they can only rule actions.  They'll tell people how to live, and they will receive obedience due to fear, but they cannot reach into the hearts and minds of people.  There will always be resistance there, even if there is outward loyalty.
  This passage is incredibly challenging -- it reminds us that Jesus isn't only interested in outward obedience.  Following Christ isn't only about doing right --- it's about being right, in the heart and the head.  If you outwardly follow the commandments, but your heart is far from God, we are still in need of a Savior.  It matters what we think, and Jesus knows what we think.
  So let us offer all we are to Christ.  Let us offer our heads and our hearts and pray for God to redeem and repair all of us.  We need redemption for our thoughts and our loves, so that all of us is repaired and mended and redeemed.  We need Christ -- we need his love and his salvation, so that all of us will be captive to God.

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