Sunday, December 10, 2006: my God is.
was talking to a friend who didnt feel too good about something and while i was looking through some verses i chanced upon this story:
Jesus Heals a ParalyticJesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "
This fellow is blaspheming!"
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "
Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.
matthew 9:1-8i think many a times i get too influenced about by how everyone else thinks that i forget to form my own opinions and without thinking, agree immediately with what they're saying. sometimes in hindsight i find that these opinions are not of God and i end up wishing i'd spoke up earlier to support what i believe in, and not just keep Jesus in my heart. (actually i think i'm not making very much sense here, its just that i saw the blaspheming part and i was reminded of my bad habit.) and i believe that God will bless me with the wisdom to discern such opinions if i ask Him for help. (: i pray that God will give me courage and strength too, to stand up for Him when i have to.
but anyways, i also think this story reminds me of some of the reasons why i believe in Jesus.
1. Jesus has the authority to forgive sin, in fact He died in exchange for our salvation.
2. Jesus can make miracles happen. He healed the paralytic by just asking him to walk!
3. Jesus had compassion. He forgave, and healed the paralytic.
4. He has the power to make even those who condemn Him believe.
at this point i am reminded of my friend who casually remarked (and i doubt intentionally) that that i should be careful to not blindly believe. but how can i not believe in this God, who is full of grace and compassion, a God who can forgive, a God who made miracles happen, a God who loved us so much that He chose to send His Son to die for us? This is the God that i believe in and cherish. This God, is my God.
a shout of praise.
1:47 AM
