August 31, 2019
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today, is from the book of Luke 5:21, “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this who speaks blasphemes? Who can forgive sins but God alone.“
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, from the above context we understand that our God not only heals disease but also forgives sin. Luke, in the above context describes about the unfriendly observers in the crowd. They were Pharisees, and doctors, and they were assembled from every part of Galilee, and even from Judea, and from Jerusalem. These unorthodox leaders thought themselves too superior or too holy to mingle with the mob so they kept together by themselves. These men were ready to find fault with Jesus and His disciples. From this incident we see that they simply couldnt, tolerate that Christ could forgive sins. These Pharisees were blind to the pathetic condition of the Paralysed man. But they pounced at once gleefully on Christs words. Man your sins are forgiven for you.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Pharisees knew that forgiveness was a divine prerogative which no man could share. For sin is the name of evil. And only God can forgive sin. Forgiveness is the outpouring of Gods love on a sinner. Only God can pour out that love. The Pharisees having heard much of his doctrine and miracles came from all parts to watch and observe him, that they might expose Him to the people. And even in the midst of such a crowd, the power of the Lord was present to heal those who gathered to hear His sermons and to be healed of their infirmities.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, the above context says, that they presented the sick man to Christ and He said, Man Your sins be forgiven to you. That is the blessing that one must seek. Actually the Pharisees waited to find fault with Jesus and questioned His authority. They wondered from where He acquired the power to forgive sins. But Jesus knew what they had come for. He knew that spiritual blessing was more important than physical healing. In order to make known to them that He has the power to forgive sins, He said to the Paralyzed, Man your sins are forgiven to you.It was easy for Him to say this, than say Man take up your bed and walk.”
My Dear Brothers and Sisters, A lot of people usually come to Jesus to receive something from Him. Some came to get relief from their depression. Some came to obtain financial help; some came to be blessed with a job. Some wanted God to help them with their marriage. Some wanted God to give them direction about their life. None of them ever expected that Christ would forgive their sins, neither did they want their sins to be forgiven. All that they expected was to be healed. Even the paralyzed expected only to be healed of his disease. So when Jesus said, Man your sins are forgiven to you. They wondered at His saying.
So my dear Brothers and Sisters, no matter how great a sinner you might be, acknowledge your sin before God, for He not only heals your disease but is able to forgive your sins. The moment your sins are forgiven, you will instantly receive healing, then you can enjoy peace and harmony. The Bible says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper. But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Therefore turn to God, repent of your sins and receive His blessings. God bless you.
Prayer:
Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord give us the ability to forgive others of their wrong deed. Enable us to believe thy power to forgive sins. Help us to be pleasing to Christ. Give us the faith, ability and willingness to heal our souls. Give us to desire the pardon of sin, more than any earthly blessing. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
