sins are forgiven thee." What a word was this! A healthy body is a blessing; but O, how much more to be desired and preyed for is a pardoned soul! and here it was given without being asked for: may it prove an encouragement to us to implore a like blessing from the Saviour of sinners. This language of Christ was considered by the Scribes who heard it as blasphemy ; but they were soon made to see that he who spoke could forgive sins, for he bid the poor paralytic take up his bed and walk; and surely he who could do this by a word, could forgive his sins. After this "a ruler came and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead; but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live." (See Mark v. and Luke viii.) St. Luke says, this child was only twelve years of age; a very serious warning to the young, to think bețimes on death, for none are too young to be called away; O, then pray earnestly to God to make you wise to salvation in early life, that when you die, you may be admitted to glory. As Christ was going to the ruler's house to raise his daughter, a poor afflicted suffering woman came behind him and touched the hem of his garment, for she had faith to believe that if she could but touch his garment, she should be healed of an issue of blood, which had been wasting her constitution for many years; and it was according as she wished, for she was made whole, and received an encouraging word from Christ, who approved of her faith. See what faith can do, as illustrated in the case of this woman! It led the afflicted in body to Christ, when he was on the earth, and now it leads the afflicted in soul to him, with a happy assurance that he can heal every spiritual disease. When Jesus arrived at the ruler's house, he said, The maid is not dead, but sleepeth. Upon hearing this, some unbelievers who were present laughed him to scorn; but their unbecoming conduct did not move the compassionate Saviour from his purpose, for he took her by the hand and raised her up; thus proving that he can as easily raise from death as from sleep, which he might therefore well call sleep. Happy are they whom he raises from a death of sin to a life of righteousness, and he will ultimately raise them to a life of glory. |