This is a place where we can read, reflect and respond to the traditional scriptures of Lent. Lent is the time where we are made low so that we can appreciate the height of the risen Christ.
The story of the paralytic is one of my favourite parts of the Bible. I love the idea of Jesus healing someone and then saying "pick up the place where you used to lay broken, carry it with you, and go." I wonder sometimes if I exemplify both the healing of Jesus and at the same time carry around a reminder of where I used to be before I met Jesus. Seems like both sides of the story need to be represented.
Great observations, Dave, and way to use the British spelling of favorite.
What jumped out to me this time was the combination of faith and works. Joseph finds favor with God because of the good works he does. The paralytic is healed because of his faith, but that faith had to be demonstrated in order to be effective. This verse from 1 Corinthians 3 sums it up for me:
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow"
We can only do so much on our own. God makes it grow. But we have to do something. We can't just sit around waiting for God to turn a situation around, or step in and save us. It requires active participation from both sides.
3 comments:
The story of the paralytic is one of my favourite parts of the Bible. I love the idea of Jesus healing someone and then saying "pick up the place where you used to lay broken, carry it with you, and go." I wonder sometimes if I exemplify both the healing of Jesus and at the same time carry around a reminder of where I used to be before I met Jesus. Seems like both sides of the story need to be represented.
Great observations, Dave, and way to use the British spelling of favorite.
What jumped out to me this time was the combination of faith and works. Joseph finds favor with God because of the good works he does. The paralytic is healed because of his faith, but that faith had to be demonstrated in order to be effective. This verse from 1 Corinthians 3 sums it up for me:
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow"
We can only do so much on our own. God makes it grow. But we have to do something. We can't just sit around waiting for God to turn a situation around, or step in and save us. It requires active participation from both sides.
I love both of these comments. They really bring up some beautiful images and challenging ideas in my head to chew on for awhile. Thanks.
Post a Comment