The mother of the bride, gorgeously attired, stepped out the back door of the car at the church. "Oh-h dear," she bewailed to her husband who was holding the car door, "There's a hole in the toe of my stocking."

Her husband, with his usual twinkle, responded, "There's a toe in the hole in your stocking, my dear."

An understanding smile crept over her face as she looked up at him. Satisfied that all was in perspective, she tucked her fingers into the bend of his offered arm, and walked with assurance into the church.

Let us be assured that our Lord, like the loving husband, sees the toe beyond the hole, the human being beyond any material imperfection, the beloved one above any unloveliness. His essentials are in order. He offers His support.

Matthew 9:2-8 – Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This fellow is blaspheming!" Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…" Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take up your mat and go home." And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men. (NIV)

Let us be thankful that Jesus put the most important matter first — His forgiveness of the man; and also let us be thankful that Jesus offered His ongoing support by healing the man of his sickness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness and Your support of us. May we know well our New Testament, for there we can find Jesus teaching us how to keep many essentials in order. Amen.

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