Talk is Cheap (Mark 2:8-11)

Talk is cheap!

Put your money where your mouth is!

All talk and no action!

These are a variety of phrases, all communicating the same message. One can easily say anything but unless one backs it up with action, for many observers, it is meaningless.

But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘ Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”— He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
Mark 2:8-11

There were many skeptics in the room that day in Capernaum when the paralytic was lowered through the rooftop into the presence of Jesus. If this were to happen today, the response of the observers would be no different. In fact, it would be likely that a chorus of laughter would erupt.

When Jesus walked this earth, He performed many miracles, demonstrating, quite convincingly, that the power of God was working in their midst and the Kingdom of God had arrived. And yet, He knew the most important outcome was for all hardened hearts to turn away from their sins, repent, and call upon the Name of God. 

Jesus ascended into Heaven but He left us with His Holy Spirit, who indwells within every believer. But a believer in Jesus Christ does not simply utter hollow or empty words when they proclaim that they are a child of God. The Holy Spirit places His seal upon every believer and empowers all believers to live a victorious life.

Is believing in Jesus Christ just saying a few words? If you have truly accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He empowers you. Can’t turn away from your sins? Can’t forgive someone who has hurt you? Turn to Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.  And once you do that, you will immediately learn that a life in Jesus Christ is not just words, but transforming power!

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.