Equally challenged
Two things by which we cannot function at our full capacity, our soul and body. And, each one is intertwined with each other, but we can function at some capacity with each one ill. There are those who’s body is ill and continue with their everyday shores and do perform it well, just not at the optimal. Also, there are those who’s soul is ill and do function well too. God’s desire is that we be whole, that is not sick (Jer33:6). After the great fall, healing the entire being has been something God been working with man (ps147:3). It is up to us also to measure up to that measure of wholeness in the soul (eph4:13), that our minds be healed and renewed (Ro12:2). But, keeping both the mind and the body at optimal is rather challenging, because we are a war with the devil and our flesh.
Mark 2:8-11
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
The question that is in all of our minds is, which is easier to heal the soul or the body? And, we find the religious medaling with this thought when Jesus confronts the situation of the paralyzed man who was brought by his four friends. Now, for man getting to that balanced state of complete wholeness is difficult, because of what ales us, sin.. Sin is the umbrella ailment of man. It caused man to be sick both physically and mentally. The bible states that the wages of sin is death(Ro6:23) killing the entire being, but God’s restoration counter acts the wage; which is his gift Christ. The challenge Jesus faced here was to convince these people that with God it is possible to find complete wholeness with our state of being. Forgiveness is the healing agent against sin. Jesus said that almost all sin is forgivable (Mat12:31), there is just one that cannot; blasphemy. Sure enough, Jesus’ disciples understood that forgiveness is the healing process of wholeness of man. Peter asked Jesus how many times shall I forgive someone who sins against me, and he told him seventy times seven (Mt18:21-22), marking the process for healing. David told God healing me and cleanse me from my sin (ps51:2), leading us to understand that sin is the underlining agent for sickness.
6 “‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Psalms 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 6;23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life ina] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew 12:31
31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Psalms 51:2
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.