Daily Devotion, September 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 2:1-12.

It’s difficult to place our 21st century perspectives into this 1st century story---How did all the people hear about Jesus, such that the house was so crowded? How far did the four friends carry their friend on the stretcher to bring him to Jesus? What type of roof did they open up to lower their friend to Jesus?

Usually, I would ask you to choose which person you might have been in this story: one of the people in the crowd; one of the four friends watching from the rooftop; one of the scribes or Pharisees; or the paralyzed one on the stretcher….

But for the theme of this week’s devotionals and the original purpose of Mark’s writing from Mark 1:1, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”, today’s devotional spotlight is on Jesus and his offering forgiveness and healing!

Without the chapter numbers, this story is one of several stories all close together of Jesus’ healing of individuals. Jesus’ authority is demonstrated in both his teaching and healing miracles. These are signs of the power of God to change lives for the better.

From the Upper Room book, “A Guide to Prayer for All People”, Richard Allen Ward writes, “The surprising events that occur in Jesus’ presence are not done as tricks to astound people. They result from his caring for people and his obedience to the will of God. Persons in need are confronted by Jesus who loves them, and he is completely obedient to God’s will.”

 

The perspectives from the 1st century to our 21st century are vastly different, but our needs for forgiveness of sins and healing continue. The religious leaders of the 1st century blamed Jesus for blaspheming God! But Mark’s gospel writes clearly that Jesus has the power and the authority of God to forgive sins and to bring healing! That’s GOOD NEWS still today! Oh, to have the faith of the four friends to bring others to Jesus! We too, can give praise to God!

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, we still need your forgiveness and healing power today. Help us respond to the needs of others who also need to experience your forgiveness and healing power. Thank you for Jesus, your Son, and our Savior! Amen.