When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20
These are undoubtedly the finest words a person could ever hear. They come packaged in a relatively simple phrase and yet they hold an enormous amount of meaning. First, to be called “friend” by the Almighty should not be tossed about or overlooked. We, ourselves, only label those closest and dearest to us as “friend”. So it seems surprising, if you read the entire passage, that Jesus would use such a term of endearment when it appears as if He didn’t even know the man He was talking to. Ah - but Jesus did know him. He knew this man long before he was ever born. (Call it a divine privilege.) He knew him well and He loved him dearly! The same applies to you and me. Next, what greater act of mercy can be bestowed on a person than the forgiving of their sins? Jesus wasn’t just healing the man’s infirmity; He was giving the man life – eternal life. By dying on the cross, I believe Jesus said those same words to me. I look forward to the day when I’ll hear the second best phase ever spoken: “Welcome daughter!”
Encouragement of the day: Never forget that by our faith we have been forgiven by the one who calls us friend.
Question of the day: Do you find it difficult to accept the label of “friend” from God?
No comments:
Post a Comment