By: Juliet Constantine
“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? (Luke 5:23 NKJV)
It was a typical teaching session for Jesus. He was at a home, and being the Savior He is, He used every opportunity to educate about His Father, Himself and His mission. So while He was there teaching - some of His listeners weren’t interested in His sermon, but more so in critiquing what He said and did – “the power of the Lord was present to heal them”.
How amazing is our God. His love is available even for the troublemakers! All came to listen with different motive. “And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” (v17) Those Pharisees and teachers of the law did not come to be healed. They did not see their need of healing. Instead, those who needed healing exercised their faith and were healed.
Jesus taught a profound lesson on this occasion. Before instructing the sick man to rise up and walk, Jesus assured him that his sins were forgiven. Being the God He is; He might have known that the sick man’s sins were more detrimental to him than his sickness. And so, assurance that his sins were forgiven was enough, even if his body was never to be made whole again. The Pharisees and teachers of the law missed this very important point.
Do you go to Church? If you do, why do you go? Did you to listen and critize, to meet a friend, to listen to the spoken word, to receive healing or to have your sins forgiven? Church going has become such a casual and fashionable affair these days that many lost the real significance of going to Church. Needless to say, many leave Church even emptier than before they arrive. But God’s Church is and must always be a hospital for sinners! You can meet your Savior and receive forgiveness and healing.
There are times when we are so weighed down with sin and guilt. At times, we find it so difficult to get past our past – to the point where our bodies sometimes become sick, and no prescribed medication can get us well. If you find yourself in this category, Jesus’ message to you is: “Your sins are forgiven.”
You can claim God’s forgiveness and rise up and walk. Rise up and walk away from guilt and shame, from the enemy’s constant reminder of what you did. Yes, in faith, reach out to Jesus. Your sins are forgiven. It’s time you get past your past, and rise up and walk. Do not let guilt and shame hold you captive any longer. Close out the critical eyes and lips of the Pharisees and teachers of the law around you and focus only on Jesus’ pardoning grace. Then, in faith, rise up and walk.
Only Jesus can forgive sins. Those who will seek to keep you on your ‘back’, by reminding you of your mistake, cannot forgive sins. Only Jesus can. Do not listen to them. Look to Jesus and hold onto His voice that instructs you to rise up and walk. You can do it. Your sins are forgiven.
Oh my Father, restoration and renewal is complete only in You. Thank You for Your power of forgiveness, healing and renewal. Help us to always look to You to renew our strength and restore our joy. Dry our weeping eyes, I pray. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – At His Feet” Daily Devotional)
