“The RoseBouquet”

Here’s a healing story with an unhappy reaction. When Jesus had stepped into a boat and gone back to His own hometown, a paralyzed man lying on a mat was brought to Him. When He saw their faith - note the plural - He said, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Immediately the teachers of the law were muttering to themselves about witnessing blasphemy.

Jesus knew their thoughts and addressed them. He asked whether it is easier to forgive sins or to heal and say, “get up and walk”? Before they could answer Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

The man obeyed right away.

This awed the crowd, who praised God for giving such authority or power to humans, or mankind.

It’s exactly this last part that catches my attention today. The crowd attributed the miracle to the power of God, which is correct. Attributing it to Satan would have been true blasphemy. But do you notice that they said God had given this authority, which is ultimately only God’s, to men? That’s to us people.

They may not have realized it, but Jesus did, in other instances, delegate this authority to forgive sins and to heal others to His followers. That still applies to us today. If we are truly following Jesus, and seeking to obey all his commands, Jesus is delegating authority in His name that we may use to forgive sins and to heal those who are immobilized by sin or sickness. (And sickness often comes from sin). If you are wholly committed to following Jesus, have you also used this authority delegated to you?

PRAYER: Lord, I confess that though I’ve been aware of this power available to me, I haven’t really exercised it as I should have. I keep forgetting! Help me now to appropriate it, and to use it as You prompt and guide me, please!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. “God, give ME a Friend!” Is that your heart’s cry? If you feel friendless, you will be thrilled to meet Ruthe and her BEST Friend, whom she loves to share! Get the book; Ruthe’s Secret Roses.