Your sins are forgiven

Abel Hernandez

I think we can agree that most often we go through life expecting immediate satisfaction or fixes to our circumstances. We may go as far as to ask God to fix things so that we can be comfortable. We become narrow minded and self-centered. Why do we do this? Who are we listening to?

I’ve been guilty of this over and over throughout my life. Even after becoming a believer, I still find myself looking for quick fixes. My patience runs low and I seldom try and see what good may come from my suffering or struggle.

Some say that we need to go through pain before we can see some growth. I believe that is true even in our conversion. We are slaves to sin and when God calls us out of darkness, we are brought into a new understanding and light. Things are different, our outlook changes, we find some peace no matter what is occurring in our lives. But of course, it isn’t easy.

In Luke chapter 5, when some men heard that Jesus could heal, they did something remarkable. They brought a man who had been bed ridden for probably a long time and possibly his entire life. Here was this teacher who had the power to heal. Thank God for those who first and foremost are willing to pick up those who are less fortunate. They take him to the Healer of man. The only one who can make things right inside and out.

When they arrive, these men went as far as to let him down through the roof. Can you imagine this? First, these men had to be willing to sacrifice their own comfort in order to give someone else an opportunity at a better life. That is very noble indeed. But was this necessary? And after arriving at the scene, now they have to find an alternative way to get to the source of healing. Their hearts were probably in the right place.

Little did everyone know that once this man was presented in front of Jesus, He would not give them exactly what they wanted. Instead He gave this man what he needed. Forgiveness for his sins. Reason being is that no matter if others believe you were born into this world with unfair circumstances, or things happen to you in this life that makes life uncomfortable and hurtful, God knows what we need. We need forgiveness because our life doesn’t end here.

Jesus made it evident that He was God incarnate. He was forgiving sins and not healing automatically. He knows what’s best for us even if we don’t understand it at the time. We may approach God with our wants and needs at the forefront but He knows what is necessary. Immediate satisfaction isn’t always the answer.

Let me be clear about something. I’m not saying that we can’t go to God with prayers for healing. Or ask to make our situations better. There is a lot of suffering all around us. What I am saying is that when things don’t go the way we expect them, that’s not a reason to discredit God or discard Him altogether. Pain will always be a part of our life. We do live in a world that is broken. My hope is that we first come to God for the things that are eternal. I believe that’s what we see a glimpse of here.

As we go through life, may we look at the bigger picture from time to time. Let’s look around us and at our situations and know that God’s plan is bigger than our plan. He is the provider and healer without doubt. But it’ll all be in God’s time. May we remember that the single most important thing is to be healed from the inside out. From our hearts. Our bodies are temporary. Our situations are temporary. And as much as life hurts from time to time, God saves us and provides a way for eternal security. Praise God.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
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.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 5:17–26). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.