LUKE 5:17-26 FRIENDS, FAITH, FORGIVENESS Four hundred years of man-made tradition had made the Pharisees and teachers of the law quite comfortable with things the way they were as far as the worship and service of the children of Israel. Now into their country had come One who was so different from them, they felt threatened. The "fame" that went out about the Lord Jesus Christ at first and then became a rumor or a disturbance causing the traditionalists concern, was now a "report" that people were understanding and being drawn to. The Pharisees and teachers gathered together from many parts of the country to observe first hand what they had heard about. When God begins to work in "a time of visitation" the pattern is the same and people finally have to come and see for themselves what others are talking about. A work of God is not easily understood by those who are comfortable in the status quo. Fear of disruption, of the unknown and of the consequences is not uncommon when God begins to break up the fallow ground of the hardened hearts of men. The sincerity and honesty of those who have become comfortable in the way they are, is challenged - and distrust, anxiety and opposition come from those who feel threatened.
When God is working in out-of- the ordinary ways, things begin to happen. The uniting of five men in faith, leads four to carry the fifth one who is suffering and shaking uncontrollably to the Person who is the Object of their faith. Friends are united by common bonds of interest. True friends trust each other and want the best for each other. They also make known to the others what is important to them and what their plans are. Those who followed their Lord Jesus were at first called servants, but the time came when He called them friends.
The one being carried by the four had confidence in the Lord to heal him. The four carrying him had faith in the Lord's ability and willingness to heal if they persevered and got the man with palsy into the presence of the Healer. We are able to depend on the word of the Lord who said, "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out." This encourages us to continue to bring the good news of salvation from sin and for heaven, to those who are unsaved. Our confidence in God and the desire of the seeking sinner for salvation, leads us to come to the Savior in faith and trust Him to do as He promised.
The urgency of the need led all five, not only to the house in Capernaum where Jesus was, but to not allow any obstacles of men to stop their quest. The dust and dirt of the tiles being moved from the roof announced the exercise of faith that brought a man right into the presence of the Lord. He is not unmindful of an act of faith whether is in one person or the united efforts of five - or more. How essential it is that we never seek to limit God to working in ways that we understand with such finite minds as we have. Reality of repentance and true faith is easily discerned by the Lord.
The phrase, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee," was a plain declaration to those critical Pharisees and teachers that Jesus, the Perfect Man, was the Son of God. They knew it is only God who can forgive sins and here was One, "in fashion as a man," who was doing what only God can do. So now the challenge was out in the open. If He was only a teacher, they had to arrest Him for blasphemy. If He was the one with authority to forgive sins, then they should believe on Him. The proof they needed was then given to them when He told the paralytic man to "Arise, and take up thy bed and go into thine house," and the healed man did just that. How great is the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ! He has power on earth to forgive sins, and He has the authority to heal the body of the helpless. To Him, both healing and forgiveness were under His moral authority. The amazement of all who were there gripped every person. This was a true paradox. Two things that seemed contradictory, palsy and sin - were dealt with by healing and forgiveness. No wonder they were filled with awe. No wonder when a soul is saved, we are filled with awe and thankfulness.
It isn't mere supposition; the evidence is real. He who forgives our sins has the power to heal Body and soul alike that all who watch may know, The inner forgiveness of our sins, outwardly does show.
God alone can see the heart; He knows what's false or true. Men form uncertain opinions based only on what we do. Who knows who is forgiven, how can that truth be seen? Evidence begins to show itself when a dirty life is clean.
When we see one who was sad, now meeting us with a smile, Or watch one who avoided us, now go the extra mile - Then we can make a judgment, something real has taken place. That is not only evident in actions, but can be seen in a peaceful face.
Others who know what one is like, take up the task at hand, And in true friendship do what is needed to get him to the Perfect Man. Faith on the part of those who know and the one with the greatest need - Bring all together before the Lord when the urging of faith they heed.
It really is to be expected that when one comes unto the Lord -
They will hear Him speaking truth when listening to His word. Whether words of forgiveness, or healing words are given - The healed one walks away most blessed and his many sins forgiven.
Friends are important to us all even when we need correction. They help us when we are out of the way and need a new direction. The wounds they give may hurt us, but they aren't deceitful kisses. And the words of counsel are given in such a way the point of them never misses.
Faith on the part of true friends together has an impact very great. When united in faith in the Lord, we jointly our journey make; Until we are where the Savior meets us and responds to our request. There we will leave the matter in confidence; He will do what He knows is best.
"Father, the forgiveness of sins and its impact on my whole outlook on life defies any definition I can give. But Thou dost know my grateful heart rejoices daily in the fact I am forgiven. My faith is strengthened as I join the ranks of the forgiven and as friends together and friends of the Bridegroom, we worship before Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."