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And behold, they brought to him a man sick of palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose and departed to his house. But when the multitude saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

 

How strong is your faith? Would you be able to move a person who is bedridden to have them healed by Jesus? I mean move the person and the bed? And is your faith strong enough to be "of good cheer" that your friend or family member would be healed? How would you react after this healing by Jesus? Their faith drove them to seek Jesus for the person on the bed to be healed. Jesus then points out that their sins are forgiven. By what is see, the palsy was caused by sin. Some people are so full of sin that they become ill. Does this still happen today?

Then the scribes are talking amongst themselves questioning the actions of Jesus because of forgiving sins. And then Jesus calls them out because he sees everything in our hearts. Even before our actions and words happen. He knows what we will say and do. Jesus takes control of this situation by telling the man who is healed to "arise and take your bed". Are we not to also arise after our sins are healed and continue with our life? And also to follow the commands of Jesus? And to be witnesses of him in our lives? As we see, the multitudes marveled by what they saw and glorified God. As we too should everyday.

Lord, look into our hearts and guide us to you. Keep us as witnesses to you and your glory. Amen!

Russ Nixon rwnixon57@yahoo.com