Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – October 4, 2016

luke5-13

Today’s readings: Hosea 2:16–23; Acts 21:1–14; Luke 5:12–26

We know from Scripture that the religious leaders taught that a person’s illness, birth defect, or handicap was a direct result of sin—either theirs or their parents’. In Luke 5:19, a paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to Jesus. Jesus addresses not his physical need, but rather his spiritual: “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” “Blasphemy!” thinks the religious leaders; “only God can forgive sins.” To prove them right and show that he is God, Jesus heals the man right before their very eyes. He is made whole spiritually and physically.

Jesus has the power to forgive our sins and heal our illnesses as well. Through our faith, our Lord releases us from all sin that binds us spiritually. Through our faith, he heals our diseases and calms our troubled souls. By the way we live as we go through these troubling times, we glorify God, for it is his strength and power that are displayed in us. Then, when asked by others how we managed to get through such a tough time, we can respond truthfully: “It was not by my strength that I got through this tragedy, it was by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: O Great Physician, forgive my sins and heal my infirmities that I might witness to others of your love, grace, and power; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Carl Haynes, Pastor of Christiana Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC

Tomorrow’s readings: Hosea 3:1–5; Acts 21:15–26; Luke 5:27–39