Power to Heal And Forgive

“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven...’” Mark 2:3-5

Last Sunday, Steve and Cindy Meeks walked across the street to bring Brian Rockwell to our Sunday Worship Service. I have mentioned in a previous devotion that Brian is paralyzed following a hit and run accident that occurred in Santa Ana while he was walking across the street. It reminds me of the above scripture passage.

A paralyzed man and his friends come to Jesus. The friends believe that Jesus could heal their paralyzed friend and so they bring him to Jesus. Because the crowds were great, the four friends had an idea. They tore through the roof so that they could lower their friend down to Jesus.

These friends had a strong faith in the healing power of Jesus. They were so focused on their friend’s health that they were willing to tear up a roof. They believed that the healing power of Jesus for their friend was the most important thing.

Jesus saw the depth of their faith and even before healing the man, Jesus declared, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath and shows us that Jesus is more concerned with forgiveness and healing than in following the letter of the law or doing what society thought was appropriate.

Thought For Today: Do you have the kind of faith for your friends? Do you believe in Jesus’ power to love and heal us today?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Thank God that his power is greater than all of our sins. Do you know somebody that is in need of God’s healing touch? Lift them up to the Lord today. Deo Volente.