“Forgiven And Restored!”

“Forgiven And Restored!”(Mt.9:1-8).
When we were growing up as kids we were often caught in the web which cognitive behavioral therapy call today “mind-reading error which is the belief that you know what someone else thinks or feels…” I refer to it as caught in the web because as kids we often acted on such assumptions and it turned out to be wrong. For example, your friend picks up a pebble and you think he intends to pelt you with it. You do the same in readiness for retaliation. He lifts up his hand in readiness to fling the pebble. You immediately fling your own pebble, claiming self-defense. But your friend never flings his pebble because he never intended to. You read his mind wrongly and acted on wrong assumption.
Our daily interactions depends more on mind-reading. That is why most times when you ask a straight question to some people they do not answer the question. They rather give an answer to what they think is your reason for the question.
Based on the following text, today’s psychologists may say that Jesus was a mind-reader or a clairvoyant.
“…Some men brought to hymn a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ At this, some teachers of the law said to themselves, ‘This fellow is blaspheming!’ Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said,…”
It is easy to see somebody’s faith through the person’s determination and devotedness towards something. Such determination and ambition could be seen in the effort and sacrifice of the paralytic and the men who brought him to Jesus. They brought him to Jesus because they were convinced that Jesus heals.
On the other hand, it was through mind-reading that Jesus knew the thoughts of those teachers of the law. And he acted upon their thoughts. He asked them, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your mind?…But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” So saying, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” And the man did just that; to the awe of the crowd as they praised God for giving such authority to men.
Dear friend, you may not be paralyzed and lying on a mat like the paralytic in the story, but you may be facing some challenges that have handicapped you. Do not be discouraged and disheartened.
Through your faith and the faith of those who have you at heart the Lord Jesus Christ will change your story.
Know that while the Lord is diagnosing your situation there are always by the side those who are entertaining evil thoughts in their hearts.
When God in Christ is your consulting Doctor, be sure that your treatment and healing will be instantaneous! Just have faith and keep believing and in the name of Jesus, it will be well with you today.
Sunday prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for forgiveness and restoration. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.