Danny Fourie

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven” Mark 2:5

Four men carry a lame man. They are on their way to see Jesus. From a distance they see that it is going to be difficult to get to Him. But they are not discouraged. They climb onto the roof of the building and make a hole in it. Jesus is impressed by their determination and their trust in Him. He reacts strangely. “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The lame man still lies there. Nothing happens. He would love to walk.

This situation can also be true in our times. Jesus, will you please help me? I am sick or I still have this fight with my parents or things at the office are messy. Jesus responds: “I surely would want to help you. I will forgive your sins.” Jesus did not only come to heal people of their bodily or psychological illnesses. He especially came to save you from your biggest problem in yourself – sin.

How does it happen that people get sick? Why do we shout at one another and sometimes hate one another? These all arose when man chose against God… When the life-giving ties with God were cut, the beautiful life that God created disappeared. Chaos and disorder have taken its place.

Jesus is not a medicine chest from which one can take a quick remedy when things do not go well. He is not 911, an emergency call centre. But still He wants to be there for us every day. The relationship between you and God is His sphere of work. His goal in life is not to be a miracle doctor. He performs miracles to teach us to ask the question: Who is this Man? Sometimes He heals because it is good for one's relationship with God, other times He does not because it may not be the best for you.

Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus that you can forgive sins, because that is what I need most. Amen