Scripture
“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, ‘Why do you question these things in your hearts?’ " (Mark 2:3-8)
Observation
The faith of the men bringing the paralytic to Jesus was very evident and clear. Jesus’ miracle in healing the paralytic must have been so amazing. Yet, the scribes chose to question and reason the whys, who’s and what’s rather then receiving what was clearly a miracle. Jesus then clearly and succinctly asked the key question as to the status of their hearts. It’s pretty amazing how the scribes could witness powerful miracles, yet the condition of their hearts and their own agendas would prompt them to question, reason and doubt. It reminds me of the evolution theory and how man will try to figure out everything, which is impossible to define the universe; rather then accept the beautiful creation of the Lord God and the tangible history of Jesus Christ. It’s as if our intelligence has made us unable to grasp and see the reality of what has taken place.
Application
I definitely don’t want to get stuck on reasoning and questioning rather then receiving what God so freely offers to me on a daily basis through His word and life lessons. I want to be able to see God’s glory in especially those things that perhaps don’t all add up but where I can see the hand of God working, or having faith based on His word and promises. For it is those times where I can’t figure things out, but can cling to a hope in Christ, knowing that I can trust that He has my welfare in mind. I want to have a heart that receives rather than questions and reasons. I pray that I will always draw close to Jesus so that I will know His will, way, and warnings; and see the miracles before me.
Thus, in these pandemic times, where there are so many different beliefs and perspectives about the virus, wearing masks, transmittal, the vaccine, and therapeutics; my prayers and hope is that the Lord continue to give me insights through the Holy Spirit on how I shall proceed in all matters.
Prayer
Dear Lord, please guide me to be a man of faith and hope that does not allow my propensity to want to figure things out on my own in reason. But, instead be thankful in receiving what you have in store for me; even if what you have in store for me has some bumps in the road. May I not be a doubting Thomas or a questioning scribe.
