O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed;
if you save me, I will be truly saved.
LUKE 5:24-25 (MSG)
Which is simpler: to say ‘I forgive your sins,’ or to say ‘Get up and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both. . . .” He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.
THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the God who both saves and heals.
DAILY FODDER
Healing (of any sort) and forgiveness are both expressions of God's mission of restoration. Through Jesus God restores humanity to himself. Ultimately, that restoration involves complete healing.
PRAYER
Jesus, you speak, and your words become reality. I am grateful that you speak wholeness, forgiveness, and salvation into a new reality for me. Since I fall short and am broken, I need to hear and embody your good news. Re-create me in your image and make me whole. I will share your healing love with all the world. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.