Hello
When in the presence of Jesus’ Love, how are you inclined to respond? Chew slowly (and perhaps read the previous verses) on today’s Holy Nougat
“Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.” Matthew 9:8 NLT
It’s not that this was Jesus’ first healing miracle. No; it wasn’t. Nor was it the Sabbath. Yet, the Pharisees were annoyed with Jesus. And, despite the paralytic being CARRIED to Jesus, people were afraid. But not the one who received healing.
Perhaps they were fearful because Jesus ignored the expectations of how healing was to be done (Jesus forgave the sin; then to temper the indignation of the religious leaders, he commanded mobility to the paralytic). Perhaps the fear stemmed from recognizing that Sin is just as crippling as illness (ironically this was a people who beloved sin brought illnesses). Or maybe they were fearful of the Man who performed all sorts of miracles. For it seemed they were stuck on Jesus’ humanity and were unable to recognize His divinity.
Are you afraid of Jesus? I am. But mostly I am in awe (reverential fear, not horror fear) of Who He is and all He represents. I believe that Jesus healed the paralytic as described, for centuries later, I’ve seen Him at work round about. Sometimes I am disappointed – for He didn’t intervene when or how I expected. But Jesus is no one’s puppet. Mostly, I am astounded by this amazing Love Who gave His life so I might live.
I’m taking up my bed. I’m praising God for such abundant Love. I’m choosing today to believe in Jesus – Wholly Human; Wholly Divine – Lover of my Soul; Healer of my diseases. What about you?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
