Seeing the Lord at Work

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage
Matthew 9:1-17

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of cheer; your sins are forgiven you."  And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, "This Man blasphemes."  Matthew 9:2-3 (NKJV)

Even while a remarkable miracle is taking place, there are some people who are getting offended.  Isn't it amazing?! 

We have here a man who is in desparate shape.  Friends love him and bring him to Jesus.  This is a power-filled, God-filled moment.  It seems that not only is Jesus dealing with the man's condition, but also with the CAUSE of his condition.

There is no necessary connection between sickness and sin.  We needn't think that everyone who is paralyzed is in that condition because of some sin in their life.  But, for this man, this particular man, it appears that there is such a connection. 

Jesus, in essence, says to him, "I'm not only going to heal your parlysis, I'm also going to forgive the very sins that brought you to this place!"  We can be amazed at the great grace of God!

But, despite the wonder and beauty of the moment, there are those who get offended.  They even think that BLASPHEMY is taking place.  We should take this as a lesson.  We should be quick to see God at work, even in ways that surprise us.  We should be slow to bring judgment and write off those things that are "unconventional" or "non-traditional."  May God help us always to see His Hand at work in our lives and in our world.