Make your applications a prayer

Several of you have mentioned that you are reading what I am writing so I will continue to do this through the week. Melissa commented that she found the observations and interpretations sort of morphed into one thing. I can relate. Even the handout I gave you was a bit muddied so let me see if I can simplify this. Let your observations be things that you notice or stand out and questions you have. Then let the interpretation section be a rewriting of the passage in your own words. To do that, you might have to try and answer some of the questions raised in your observations. Here's where Bible study can get more involved if you have the time and the curiosity. If you have a question that you don't understand, you might want to read some extra sources on the passage. John McArthur writes great commentaries that are thorough and easy to understand. You might want to look at other parallel passage in the Bible that talk about the same subject. The final section, would be the application. What specifically does God want me to apply to my life, from the text? As I said on Sunday, there may be many things you think of but hone in on one of them and make it an item of meditation and prayer throughout the day. In fact, why not practice writing out your application in the form of a prayer to God? I think that will help you be specific.

Here's what I wrote down from the text today. (Luke 5:12-26)

Observations:

• I noticed that the man focused, not on Jesus' ability but his willingness. "If you are willing..." Jesus also does the same, "I am willing..."
• Again, there was the don't tell anyone command but to no avail, the crowds just kept getting bigger.
• Jesus always felt the need to slip away and pray-- alone.
• It seems there is a point begin made in verse 17 that on this day there was power for Jesus to heal; does that mean that at some times there was not? Could Jesus heal whenever he wanted to or were there limitations on his abilities?
• (vs. 20) It seems that Jesus made his statement about the man's sins because he wanted to make a point.
• (vs.22) Jesus could read their hearts!
• (vs.23) They were both equally easy to say-- Jesus meant which is easier to say and it be proven true?
• Jesus reasons, "Because I have authority to heal instantly that which men do not, I tell you have authority to forgive your sins too."
• The response to the healing was that men glorified God-- that is they 'made God big!' Both the guy healed and the people who saw it happen. They were filled with fear. I think whenever people see God actually move in power, the response is fear. Why? There is a God and they must answer to him.

Interpretation:

There are two stories in this text. In the first Jesus heals a man who covered with leprosy. He had no hope. He was an outcast. He had faith that God could heal him but he wasn't convinced that Jesus would be willing to. Maybe he had heard of Jesus healing other lepers but just didn't think he'd care to intervene in his life. Yet Jesus was willing. The result was as it had been time and time before. The news of his power spread and more and more people came to him to be healed. But in the middle of all that, Jesus continually saw the need to get alone with God and pray.

In the second story some men take a paralyzed friend to see Jesus. They have to cut a hole in the roof to get him in before Jesus because the crowd is so big. Jesus recognized the faith of the men and says that because of their faith, the man's sins are forgiven. The religious people think that is terrible because only God can forgive sins. To this Jesus responds, knowing their hearts, "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven or you are healed, get up and walk?' " I've always loved that question! Both are easy to say but only one is easy to say and have the proof follow. If I say your sins are forgiven, how can you prove it? But if I say, 'You are healed' you either are or you are not. Prove it! So Jesus says, so that you will know that I can forgive sins I say to this man WALK! And he does. I love that. The people are amazed, astonished and afraid. I think knowing you are int he presence of God is scary. Peter was afraid on his boat-- they are afraid in the house.

Application:

Lord, I think you want me know that Jesus is God. The whole point of this second episode seems that you wanted to make the point, "Jesus can forgive sins because he IS God. The religious people had it right, "Only God can forgive sins!"

Also, in the first part I find myself being so much like the leper, "I know you can but I'm not really quite convinced you are willing." I pray all the time for things, like what Anne's going through, but I'm not really sure you're willing. Yet in the text you stress, "I am willing." Help me pray with more heart faith that you are willing. Increase my faith in the willing part.

Those were my thoughts and applications? What were yours? Are you writing them down? Remember, one important part of this Bible study exercise is to journal, to write your thoughts down. It will help you focus and be more pointed in your applications. Besides, it will help you remember and we all know I need help in that area!