“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming” (Matthew 9:2b-3).
Blaspheme is standing in the place of God. That is the real meaning of taking the name of the Lord in vain. The ones accusing Jesus stood as judges. There is the real blasphemy. Mind you, if Jesus were not God, saying, “your sins are forgiven” would have meant nothing. But Jesus is God, so no matter what He says, it shall be done. The arrogance of judging has been the downfall of many.
Lord, I too stand in Your place and judge things. I judge You. Forgive me and open my heart to see that in this struggle between good and evil it is not a matter of power, for all of that belongs to You. Instead, help me to see that we all are tempted to decide what is good and what is evil. We cannot, for all things are in Your hands and only You know all things. You speak and it is so.
Lord Jesus, You who have all authority and power, when I stand in the place of judgement, slay my pride and raise me in Your likeness. Yes Lord, I do not want to speak Your name as a swear word, but more importantly, I do not want to stand in the place where I blaspheme. You alone are Lord. Guide me in the goodness of Your grace and mercy to know that in You alone is the power and the glory. Amen.
