THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 5:17-20
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:20)
Did you notice whose faith Jesus responded to – “their faith”?
We find no mention of the paralyzed man’s faith.
Here the Lord responds to the faith of others on someone else’s behalf.
What an encoruagement to me for those who may struggle with faith.
But also for those who struggle in faith for a loved one.
Imagine the friends tearing and ripping at the roof tiles.
See their determination, their love, their desperate faith for their friend.
Compare this to the aggressive prayers of a a believer for someone else.
God uses our prayers for others to help them too!
Jesus loves this paralyzed man more than these friends do.
He sees his needy soul condition, and assures him of God’s forgiveness.
The friends wanted body healing, Jesus gave whole life healing.
The Lord hears our prayers for others, and goes beyond what we ask.
May this inspire and encourage us to pray with fervor for others!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, there are people I have prayed for, that I am still waiting to see the results. But I trust that You are doing more than I ask and imagine. I can’t wait to see how You heal/help them!
“And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.” (vs. 17)
Often Jesus healed physical needs first, by grace.
I believe we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
How could our church witness if we seriously prayed for this power?
What would it look like to believe and practise John 14:9-14?
A praying community.
Friends in action.
Bringing one to the Lord – and in prayer.
Friends bringing one to Jesus.
Love in action.
What a journey – determined to bring their friend to Jesus.
Getting their hands dirty.
Determined.
How have I been a ‘fisher of men’ bringing others to my Saviour?
Through prayer?
Through action?
God brings freedom.
We all need to come into His presence so that we can walk with our Saviour daily.
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When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey