Enough Faith!

Jesus spoke of faith as small as a grain of mustard seed providing the ability to move mountains. ( Matthew 17:20) That is an indication there is a lot of power even in a little faith. He also complimented the faith of a centurion who believed Jesus could heal his servant even from a distance. ( Matthew 8:10) Many came to Jesus with the HOPE OF BEING HEALED, believing He was able to do it. (i.e. Matthew 9:20-22)

On one occasion we read. . .
"(1) And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. (2) And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when JESUS SAW THEIR FAITH, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.'" ( Matthew 9:1-2 ESV)

Jesus saw that those carrying the paralytic had faith. Faith for what? What did Jesus do? JESUS FORGAVE THE PARALYTIC'S SINS. What was the paralytic's expectation? I don't read of him or his friends saying, "Wait, wait. That is not what we came for. It was not for forgiveness, but for healing." Do you read it there? The text does not even suggest it. Being criticized by the scribes for thinking He had the authority to FORGIVE SINS, Jesus asked what was easier, to say "Your SINS ARE FORGIVEN" or to say "Rise and walk"? ( Matthew 9:5). Therefore, to demonstrate He did have authority to FORGIVE SINS, Jesus told the paralytic to get up, take up his bed and go home. The paralytic did just that and the people glorified God.

As I follow the order of our Lord's actions on this occasion, I am struck by what is my greatest need? Is it the healing of my body or the HEALING OF MY SOUL? I can live this life with an infirmity, but where am I without FORGIVENESS? So, when it comes to my faith, do I have enough to accept the FORGIVENESS the Lord has provided? Do I have enough faith to be filled with the joy, peace, and lack of regret (note 2 Corinthians 7:10) the SPIRITUAL HEALING His FORGIVENESS of my sins adequately provides?

Bigger than the mountains is sometimes the obstacle of accepting the truth we can be FORGIVEN. Jesus' blood is powerful enough to deal with our sins as we remain walking with Him. ( 1 John 1:7) "Take heart . . . YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN." In Christ, let us believe it!

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF HIS HEALING WITHIN!
Carl

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