Lent Day #23

Luke 5:17-26 (ESV)

17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, "Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the man who was paralyzed—"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home." 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen extraordinary things today."

THOUGHTS (By Pastor Dan Krewson):

Jesus forgives sins. We may have been taught this so many times that we pass it by unquestioningly. Yet this text reminds us, that those who first encountered Jesus were astounded that he would claim to forgive sins. That was God's area of expertise. How is it that this carpenter turned preacher, Jesus of Nazareth, could say such a thing? Do you remember when the power of forgiveness astounded you? As a boy, I recall my brothers and I broke a ceramic eagle clock (while playing football in the house!). Our parents weren't around when it happened so we debated whether to glue it back together and not tell them, or confess and bear the brunt of the consequences. When it was all said and done we did both - admitted our mistake and then glued its wings back together in hopes of a reprieve! Much to our delight, mom and dad were not as concerned with the ceramic clock as they were with teaching us the power of forgiveness (of course, we did not play football again inside!). But they made it clear they still loved us - and they placed that mended eagle clock on top of the TV from then on - perhaps knowing that the glued-on wings would serve as a constant reminder to the power of forgiveness. Those who encounter Jesus discover that in his presence - there is forgiveness of sin - what an amazing and wonderful gift! Give thanks for the power and release which comes when forgiveness mends a broken relationship or a broken heart.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY'S JOURNEY:

(By Rev. Peter Trow)

Let there be respect for the earth,
Peace for its people,
Love in our lives,
Delight in the good,
Forgiveness for past wrongs
And from now on, a new start.