Paralyzed by Sin

Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 5: 18-20 NLT

Healing was flowing (vs 17c), and their faith was high. They knew was this was the right time. This was the right place. All they had to do was get him to Jesus. Yes, there were obstacles in their way. First the crowd, then the roof. Still, they pressed on and after all that, managed to lower him right in front of Jesus. So, what do you think the friends thought when He said, ...your sins are forgiven?  Jesus saw their faith; that was not why they brought him. The plan was to get him there so Jesus would heal him.

Then to top it off, the church leaders start arguing with Jesus over whether or not his sins are forgiven, while he, the paralytic, is now the cynosure of all eyes - lots of eyes because remember, the place was packed. In all reality, probably just a few minutes, but if it were you lying there, how long would it seem to be?  

Let's freeze it for a moment and think about it. Okay, my sins are forgiven, now what? I'm not going anywhere. Chaos has broken out around me. People are staring at me. I feel vulnerable and exposed. What do I do?!? 

Wait for it? Wait for the Word - Jesus' Word - even when it might seem that He's not paying attention to you. Wait for it - search for the answer. It's in His Word. He gives us what we need most. We want physical healing; He wants to give us complete healing. He wants to make us whole. Even when everyone's watching and it seems like nothing is happening... Jesus will turn to us with a Word, just like He turned to the paralyzed man in verse 24 and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 

Life lesson - press in, press on, praise God! Don't be paralyzed by sin anymore, but don't move until He tells you to. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for sending Christ to die for the forgiveness of our sins so that we can be made whole. Help us to hear and obey when You speak to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen