ICS Daily Devotions
Focus on Jesus
Luke 5:19 (NKJV) And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.
A paralyzed man or someone who is sick can be very lonely, helpless and at times depressed.
Nobody can maintain a high spirit or be immovable when he is physically sick and in pain. In fact, they might not feel like praying or even believing in God because they are demoralized and physically weak. They are probably discouraged by the medical reports, the symptoms in their bodies and all the possible scenarios that flood their minds. Most people who are unwell may experience the same feelings but are unable or unwilling to share and communicate their struggles, misery and sorrow with their family or friends. Therefore, they need faith-filled friends to surround them, to help them either spiritually, emotionally, morally and at times financially. There is a need for those of us who are close to the person to bring their focus back to Jesus.
Luke 5:17 (NKJV) Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
There were many people in the crowd on that day who might have needed healing, but they were more curious, skeptical and cynical about Jesus rather than believing that He is the Messiah or has the ability to heal! They were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem to be critical of Jesus’ ministry. It was such a wasted opportunity!
Some translations transcribe it as the Spirit of the Lord instead of the power of the Lord was present to heal them. It is the Holy Spirit who moves and ministers to bring about the word of the Lord. It is the work of the Holy Spirit including in the church of today to show forth the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the aspect of healing or work of miracles. Sometimes, the church spends more time discussing and debating what they do not believe rather than coming together to agree on what they do believe. In fact, we should start discussing what we believe in and how we can help our brothers and sisters in Christ when they are facing tribulations. We need to keep our focus on Jesus, our Healer.
Remember, don’t struggle alone but find a group of faith-filled friends to stand in faith with you because you will need their encouragement. You will also be a blessing to them during their time of need. We are made for each other in the family of believers.
Sermon Series: Friends to Look for in a Crisis
