Verse of the Day 8/24

Through the Bible -  Psalms 116-118,  2 Corinthians 3

 

People can try to do many things to impress God.  They may give large sums of money, even anonymously.  They may have perfect church, small group and Bible study attendance.  They may be involved in several ministries at church, devoting much time to Him.  But what is it that "impresses" God?

 

We've been considering several aspects of healing over the last several days.  Last weekend our youth leaders and then the youth group as a whole looked at Mark chapter 2 and his account of the healing of the paraplegic.  The Message paraphrase used this word to describe what went on.  As you may recall 4 men wanted to bring their friend to Jesus for healing and ended up tearing a hole in the roof so that they could lower the man into Jesus presence, for healing.

 

Mark 2:4-5  When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."   The Message

 

Jesus was "impressed" by their faith.  Nothing could stop them.  The crowded entrance, the doubting religious leaders, not even the roof of a house could keep them from bringing this man to Jesus.

 

Its an amazing passage.  Take some time over the next few days to read it.  See the different characters, the paraplegic, the friends, the crowd, the religious leaders, and possibly even the homeowner.  Try to put yourself in their shoes.  What would have been your reaction to what took place.  How would it impact your attitude towards faith? How would the episode change your life?

 

It is not a stand alone concept.  Think of other miracles in both the Old and New Testaments and God's or Jesus' reaction to the faith displayed.

 

May we have such faith.  What is standing in the way?  May we have such boldness, willing to go through the roof to bring someone to Jesus for forgiveness of sin and for healing.

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

Mark 2

The Message (MSG)A Paraplegic

 

 ^1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men. When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."

 ^6-7Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, "He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."

 ^8-12Jesus knew right away what they were thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"