One of the primary ways we find strength is by seeing Jesus and how much he loves us. For the next few wks of our guided prayer we are going to take strength by meditating on what Jesus went thru for us. The scripture teaches us that the greatest demonstration of Love is to lay down your life for another. Throughout Jesus’s time on earth he was continually “laying his life down” for us. Each day we’ll take one example of Jesus doing this and ponder it.

SCRIPTURE

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When Jesus saw their faith, he said (to the paralyzed man), “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” -Luke 5:17-26

REFLECTION

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(Ponder and grow in your awareness of Jesus’ life of sacrifice by reflecting on the following questions.)

Jesus, You were well aware that people associated sickness, disease, and disabilities with sin. You understood that most likely others looked down on and judged this man who was paralyzed. History tells us he would have experienced rejection, possibly even from his very own family and friends. In your great love, you not only healed his physical body, but you were caring for his soul. You, the Living God, healed his body and with that same power you proclaimed the good news and forgave his sin in front of everyone.

And the Pharisees and the teachers of the law accused you of blasphemy.

Were you sad to see the Pharisees miss it? Regardless of their criticism were you able to celebrate with this man? Could you feel God’s pleasure as the power flowed through you to heal this man’s sickness and forgive his sin?

RESPONSE

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Jesus, in a display of power you healed this man’s body, forgave his sin, and in restrained power and humility you endured not only the lack of appreciation and thanks, but endured accusations of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

Thank you for your healing power! Thank you for forgiving sin! Thank you for not being intimidated by your detractors.

Jesus I can see some of what this must have cost you. You were counting all things loss for my sake and it inspires me and moves my heart toward you in love and worship.

I say with the Apostle Paul:

Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for your sake. I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing You Christ Jesus my Lord.

Thankfully my “righteousness” is completely based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—the very righteousness that comes from God.

I long to know the wonders of Jesus more fully and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me. I will be one with him in his sufferings and I will be one with him in his death.

Only then will I be able to experience complete oneness with him in his resurrection from the realm of death.

Of course I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into Your abundance so that I may reach the purpose that You Jesus Christ have called me to fulfill and want me to discover. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus. -Philippians 3 7-14 (NIV, TPT) (Paraphrase)