“For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?”
A man was brought to Jesus on a light wooden bed. He needed to be healed of his stroke, which left him paraplegic. Jesus saw him and told him to take courage, for his sins were forgiven. Of course, as usual, Pharisees, scribes and other enemies followed Jesus to gather evidence of his supposed evils. ANY evil would do, so long as it brought Jesus into disrepute so He could be arrested!
Scribes watched and said in their minds that Jesus was blasphemous. Being the Christ, Jesus knew what they were thinking… that by saying He forgave sins, He was saying He was God! So, Jesus gave them something to grapple in their hearts… is it easier to save a man physically, or to save him spiritually? (It is the same power).
Jesus then decided to be more spectacular – He told the man he was healed of his stroke, which had left him paralysed down one side. The amazed man did so immediately – one sign that God is at work is when a miracle occurs straight away (though He can work in many ways). The crowd marvelled, but the scribes muttered to themselves and walked away, such was their depravity of soul.
ANYTHING good is under God’s command, and Christ is God, made in the flesh for a season, as Jesus. Whatever Jesus said on this earth had the weight of God behind it – because He was, and still is, God! Just as He brought a man’s body back to real life, so He can bring every elect person alive spiritually, and destined for Heaven. He could also save your broken body if it is in His will. Just believe it, He said.
Do you believe God can cause your spirit to soar heavenward? Or, like the scribes and most other people, do you mutter and pretend to believe? What He says comes about and cannot fail, because He is the Lord and can do what He wishes.
© 01 August 2024
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Published on www.christiandoctrine.com
Bible Theology Ministries
Swansea
Wales
United Kingdom