And getting into a
boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him
a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the
paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And
behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is
blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you
think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, `Your sins are
forgiven,' or to say, `Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son
of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he then said to the
paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose
and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified
God, who had given such authority to men.
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What cripples the
mind and heart and stiffles the healing power of love? Sin and unforgiveness
for certain! Sin cripples us more than any physical ailment can. Sin is the
work of the kingdom of darkness and it holds us in eternal bondage. There is
only one solution and that is the healing, cleansing power of Jesus'
forgiveness. Jesus’ treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the
day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends,
Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes
regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority
to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus
claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only
proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's
redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This
man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed
him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well.
The Lord is every
ready to bring us healing of mind, body, and soul. His grace brings us freedom
from the power of sin and from bondage to harmful desires and addictions. Do
you allow anything to keep you from Jesus' healing power?
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"Lord Jesus,
through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to
body, mind, and soul. May your healing power and love touch every area of my
life – my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my
offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk
confidently in your truth and goodness."
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