And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— "I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
(Mark 2:1-12 ESV)
This is such a beautiful story of the faith of these men to do whatever it takes to bring this man to Jesus for healing. Their faith and urgency is such a great example in contrast to our complacent often small faith and prayers.
Yet they are in for a surprise I think. For Jesus first and primarily addresses the spiritual healing needed. Jesus forgives the paralytics sins bringing him into relationship with God the father and salvation! Jesus seems to heal him almost as an afterthought or as the text says Jesus heals him so that the people would know he has authority to forgive sins.
I know that I often place my circumstances and things of this world before God thinking they are the most important issues. I get so wrapped up in things that are not lasting or eternal. This year some things have been: my personality type, time management, relationships, balancing and maintaining friendships, fundraising, lack of motivation, discouragement and identity. At times I have let these things overwhelm me. Yet like this paralyzed man Jesus acts in a way that says those things are such insignificant importance compared to the forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Often I focus my energy on things that do not last instead of my eternal fate. I focus on my weaknesses or problems instead of on God and his promises. These things are natural but I want hem to be things I take to God. I want to pursue you in prayer and in your Word and in action more than these other things. I want to repent and be transformed by your grace constantly!
The man and the faithful who went to extremes to get him to Jesus experienced a miracle of physical healing which seems more obvious and maybe more significant. But not to Jesus and I hope not in my life. That man was changed from the inside out, even if he never walked again the forgiveness and salvation is of such heater and lasting significance:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 ESV)
Suffering looks different for us all, but we all have it and this life is not easy. Jesus promised us suffering. We should not be surprised and we should hold even closer to God dependent on him because there is nothing in this life that can make us happy or safe or fulfilled outside of Christ. Let us focus our hearts on heaven and prepare our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits to prepare us for and have our hope in the glory that we will experience with God! God help me to keep this perspective through Christ as he set the ultimate example of this!
Amen
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