Matthew 9:5 For which is easier, to say, Your sins be forgiven you, or to say, Arise, and walk? 

 

I find it interesting that this Passage of Scripture’s address is Mathew 9:5. It reminds me of the average hours of a workday. Many stores are open from 9 to 5. Keep this in mind as you read on.

 

In the 9th Chapter of Matthew, we find the account where Jesus healed a paralyzed man by forgiving him of his sin. It seems his physical condition was caused by the sin in his life. When Jesus forgave him of his sin, he was healed physically as well.

 

The Scribes who witnessed this healing by Jesus were not happy because they did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. Only God could forgive sin, and it could only be achieved by the Sacrificial process. Between themselves, they quietly said, This man blasphemes.

 

Jesus could not hear them, but He knew their thoughts and responded, Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, Your sins be forgiven you, or to say, Arise, and walk?

 

It was all healing to Jesus. The man was sin-sick, which caused him to be physically sick to the point of being paralyzed. When Jesus healed his heart by forgiving his sin, at the same time, He healed his physical ailment. It was all the same to Jesus. It was not any easier for Him to forgive the man’s sin than to physically heal him. 

 

For Jesus, it was all in a day's work! As simple as it is for us to perform our daily tasks at work from 9 to 5, Jesus forgives, heals, and delivers. He did it then, and He still does it today. One is not easier than the other for God, and oftentimes, like the paralytic in this story, it all goes together.

 

From now on, when you think of an average workday, consider the numbers 9 to 5. Remember that in Matthew 9:5, Jesus asked the Scribes, For which is easier, to say, Your sins be forgiven you, or to say, Arise, and walk? 

 

Jesus went on to remind them of something very important. He told them why they witnessed this miracle. He said, That you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. The paralyzed man was forgiven, healed, and delivered all at the same time. Then Jesus spoke to the sick man and said, Arise, take up your bed and go home. Simultaneously forgiven and healed, the man did just that. He got up, picked up his bed, and went home, forgiven, healed, and delivered, and it was all in a day's work for the Lord!    

  

God stands ready to forgive, heal, and deliver any and all who will present themselves as “sick” before the Lord and ask to be forgiven. It's all in a day's work for Him. God does not keep store hours. Nor does He take holidays from work. He is always there and stands ready to forgive, heal, and deliver. 

 

God stands ready to…...….turn the tide.

 

For Him, it's all in a day's work!      Doreen

 

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