BRINGING THE DISTRESSED BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD

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Today’s Reading:

Mark 2:1-12 (3)

"They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. Seeing their (active faith (springing from confidence in Him), Jesus said to the paralytic, “Do not be afraid, son, your sins are forgiven (the penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God)” (Matt. 9:2 NKJV)

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The passage before us reveals Jesus’ great authority, confirms his deity, and exposes the leaders’ hostility and jealousy towards him. Jesus was able to bring to light, the debating thoughts in the minds of the scribes; he forgave the sins of the paralytic; and physically healed a paralysed man. He alone is able to do the work the Father does.

Again, an obvious fact as seen in this story is that, obstacle should not be a barrier to an active faith. The men that brought the paralytic to Jesus surmounted the obstacle before them because of their conviction that once they got him to Jesus, He will heal their friend. Some people have a hard time approaching the throne of mercy (vv.1-4). They may be paralysed by their sins, by their fears and doubts. We are to do whatever is in our power to bring them before the throne of mercy. And ask the Holy Spirit to break through their wall of partitioning – their unbelief, lack of confidence, and fears.

Before a preventive vaccine was developed in the mid-1950s, a lot of people, especially children were paralysed by polio and many died from it each year. Also, in ancient Israel, paralysis was viewed as a permanent, hopeless condition. This moved a group of four friends to device a way to bring their paralysed friend before Jesus. Believing that once he gets to Jesus his condition would be cured (vv. 1-4). When Jesus saw the active faith in the men who brought the paralytic to him, He was moved to forgive the sins of the paralysed man and heal him (v. 11). This goes to show that by active faith, our sins can be forgiven and any hopeless situation in our lives touched.

If there is anyone around us who is facing a difficult physical or spiritual situation, it is a privilege and a responsibility on us to intercede for such a person in our prayers. Jesus is the only One who can meet the deepest needs of all in distress or facing terrible challenges.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE

Prayer:

1. Father, thank you for Jesus is able to speak the words of eternal life, heal our diseases and meet our deepest, great needs.

2. Lord Jesus, today pass through my family and environment, heal, deliver, and make your presence felt, in Jesus name.

3. As I come before you today Lord, meet my heart’s desire and make me a channel of blessings to others, in Jesus name.

4. Lord Jesus You will build Your Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail, in Jesus name.

5. Holy Ghost, take over this period in this nation and frustrate the devices of the enemy, in the name of Jesus.

6. O heavens, O earth, hear the word of the Lord, scatter the counsel of the terrorists, in the name of Jesus.

7. O Lord pass through this land and slay the wicked, in the name of Jesus.

8. O heavens, O earth, hear the word of the Lord, scatter the counsel of the terrorists, in the name of Jesus.