AN INVITATION TO ENCOUNTER JESUS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:17-20 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
This is a great story about some guys who had a sick friend. They carried their friend to Jesus and Jesus healed him. But before Jesus gave him physical healing Jesus did the greatest miracle and forgave his sins.
It is interesting to note the scriptures say, “the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus.” I believe God’s healing powers are always present. However, there are those moments when the faith of the people make God’s healing power is more evident. We know from scripture that when Jesus went into His hometown, He was unable to do any great miracles because of their lack of faith.
Evidently word got around town that miracles were happening at this house where Jesus was teaching. Some friends decided to take their sick friend to Jesus. That decision was life changing for the sick man and his friends.
There is nothing quite as exciting as being a part of someone else encountering God’s power in their lives.
At this Christmas season we should remember there are many sick people around us. Some are physically sick; others are spiritually sick or emotionally sick. In any case those who are sick need to experience the wholeness that Jesus can bring into their lives.
It might be that this season is a perfect time to invite someone to attend a special Christmas service with you. You might be that friend that carries someone else to encounter Jesus.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to see those in my world that need to encounter Jesus during this Christmas season. Help me to be willing to invest my time and energy to help them find Your love and wholeness.
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