Matthew 9:1-8 (ESV)
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. [2] And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” [3] And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” [4] But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? [5] For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? [6] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—”Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” [7] And he rose and went home. [8] When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
I read Matthew 9 yesterday and it was verse 2 that grabbed my heart. These are Jesus’ words to the paralytic lowered through the roof (although only Mark gives us that detail). “Take heart your sins are forgiven”. Wow. With all the nonsense that goes on, what a glory it is to hear this from Jesus. There is plenty going on in the lives of believers to causes anxiety and fear and depression. But we can take heart because our sins are forgiven. What a message to receive from God as we seek to petition Him to help us in our day to day living. We can take heart because my sins are forgiven and my sins are forgiven because the eternal Son of God came to earth to die for me. He loves me and is concerned that my heart needs a boost. And what will boost it is to consider that my sins are forgiven. Thank you Lord, for this is very good.
That deserves a song – thanks for asking!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwzt9jRUPNg]
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