Jealousy vs Thanks
“Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?
“’But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ – He had said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.’ And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this.’” Mark 2:8-12
The Pharisees were livid because Jesus words brought healing and wholeness to this man. They demanded to know how Jesus -- a man -- could be so bold. Because they were jealous of the way the people were responding to His simple message of truth and love.
One of my precious memories comes from a picture in my big picture Bible. I poured over the pages regularly as a child. Noah’s Ark was astounding and covered two full pages of the book (that when opened was nearly as big as I was). The most fascinating story and page for me was the paralytic being lowered down on a pallet from the roof, causing a warm beam of fresh, golden light into the scene.
The helpless man lay before Jesus. His faithful friends remained peering down through the hole they had made in the roof – expressions of hope on their faces. And then there was Jesus. The look the artist painted on His face was of embracing, forgiving love. So beautiful!
Now as a grown-up, I see myself on that pallet, a helpless sinner who was brought to the feet of Jesus by friends during my life journey (Psalm 139), for heart healing Salvation. Who would have imagined a God with such compassion, understanding and love! I’m so thankful God arranged the world around you and me to bring us the Truth of Salvation and the hope in His eternal care!
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Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.
PS: You can also find the devotions on line/ on your mobile phone here: www.weakdaydevotion.com .
NOTES: I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They reported supernatural events that took place before, of specific prophecies; and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.
The Five Solas: Individuals are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone to the glory of God alone!
Find my full statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of Bible studies). For the books, go to Amazon books. For prayer requests/ updates, email: darlenerichard@gmail.com