We read, in Matthew 9:2, of the
forgiveness of sins. This is followed, in Matthew 9:6, by the words that
brought healing to the paralyzed man. When we read about Jesus' healing
miracles, we must also remember the healing that comes to us through
the forgiveness of our sins. The healing of our lives begins here. From
this beginning - the forgiveness of our sins, we move on to the healing
of our lives, which takes place when we look to the Lord to take the
brokenness of our lives and put everything back together again. This is
followed by Matthew's own story. He receives the forgiveness of his
sins. From the conversion of Matthew, the message that comes to us is
this: Jesus "came to call sinners" (Matthew 9:13). We come to Jesus -
with our sins. We receive from Him - our salvation. At the heart of our
salvation is this great message: God does more for us than forgiving our
sins. He gives us new life - described here as "new wine" (Matthew
9:17).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be ...
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