“And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.” – Luke 5:18
As a mother, there were many occasions when I had to take one of my children to the doctor. Usually it was for something minor, maybe a respiratory virus or an ear infection, but once in a while, it would be for a more serious problem, and I was always relieved when the doctor successfully treated my son or daughter. I also recall times when it was necessary to take an adult family member or friend for medical attention. Unlike my children, these individuals sometimes needed a little more persuasion to go, but I would not relent until they consented to let me take them and receive treatment. Regardless of the age or reason, I was glad to be able to bring those who needed a doctor to his office because I knew they would be made well.
In a spiritual sense, the world is full of those who are “sin-sick.” The lives of all of us are under the curse of sin and its evil influences. Sometimes its symptoms are manifested in small ways, and other times the effects of sin are grossly obvious. This is the pandemic that should strike fear into every heart because we are all impacted by the depravity of sin.
Fortunately, many of us have been healed of the long-term consequences of sin. We have seen the “Great Physician,” who has cleansed us of this horrific disease of sin by the precious blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. We now have immunity against the eternal consequences of sin – separation from God forever. We now have the promise of everlasting life in heaven! John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” and our redemption is secure through Him.
But there are many in this world who are still suffering from the “sin-sickness.” Some are so sick, they do not even hope for a cure; they simply go through the motions of living, attempting pseudo-remedies for the guilt of their sins. Some are oblivious to their condition. They live without the understanding that one day they will be judged for their sins. Others choose to ignore the symptoms of their sin, hoping their own works will eradicate the sin. But the truth is the only cure is Jesus. Sadly, there are many who don’t know that He is their only hope. They need someone to take them to the only One who can save them from their sins. They need someone, like the men in Luke 5, to take them to Jesus for healing. Someone like you and me.
Do you know someone who is “sin-sick”? Why not be the one who takes them to Jesus for eternal forgiveness and healing of their soul? That’s what friends are for!
Shackled by a heavy burden
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame
Then the hand of Jesus touched me
And now I am no longer the same.
He touched me, Oh He touched me
And oh the joy that floods my soul
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.
(from “He Touched Me” by Bill Gaither)
“And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:19
**********
A friend in Christ is a friend forever!