With a new hope the sick man looks upon Jesus. The expression of
His countenance, the tones of His voice, are like no other. Love and
power seem to breathe from His very presence. The cripple’s faith takes
hold upon Christ’s word. Without question he sets his will to obey, and,
as he does this, his whole body responds.
Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Springing to his feet, he goes on his way with firm, free step, praising God and rejoicing in his newfound strength..... Acting on the word of Christ, he was made whole.
By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are
palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than
was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their
helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring
them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain.
In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me
from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24,
margin). Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is
bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible
tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He bids you arise in
health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe
the Saviour’s word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve
Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may
be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence
binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will
impart life to the soul that is “dead in trespasses” (Ephesians 2:1)....
When temptations assail you, when care and perplexity surround
you, when, depressed and discouraged, you are ready to yield to despair,
look to Jesus, and the darkness that encompasses you will be dispelled
by the bright shining of His presence. When sin struggles for the
mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, look to the Saviour.
His grace is sufficient to subdue sin. Let your grateful heart,
trembling with uncertainty, turn to Him. Lay hold on the hope set before
you. Christ waits to adopt you into His family. His strength will help
your weakness; He will lead you step by step. Place your hand in His,
and let Him guide you.
Never feel that Christ is far away. He is always near. His loving
presence surrounds you. Seek Him as one who desires to be found of you.
He desires you not only to touch His garments, but to walk with Him in
constant communion (The Ministry of Healing, 84, 85). LHU 87
Day by day the conflict between good and evil is going on. Why is it that those who have had many opportunities and advantages do not realize the intensity of this work? They should be intelligent in regard to this. God is the Ruler. By His supreme power He holds in check and controls earthly potentates. Through His agencies He does the work which was ordained before the foundation of the world. Pr 254
"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house." Matthew 9:6 (King James Version)