December 3, 2022 - Mark 2:3-5, 11-12

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven. I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:3-5, 11-12 NIV

Lord, this passage starts off with “some men came.” As we read about what these men did for the paralyzed man, they must have been good friends with him and really wanted his healing. They didn’t give up easily. They fought for it to the point they would destroy someone else’s roof just to make it happen. They didn’t just stop when it seemed like it wouldn’t work, but they made a way. What amazing friends they were. Because of their perseverance this man was not only healed physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus, how beautiful that you not only gave him what he was seeking but forgave his sins and gave him what he really needed. You gave him something that is eternal. These men fought the battle for him and won his forgiveness and healing. What an amazing picture.

Lord, we want to be people who will persevere and fight for others like these men. We want you to be glorified because we loved others enough to fight for them to encounter you. Show us what that really looks like. Give us a heart particularly for those who don’t know you and need to encounter your love and forgiveness. Teach us how to be people who will fight in prayer and action to bring them before you. Teach us how to persevere and not give up even when it seems hopeless. We want lives to be changed because we got involved.

In Jesus name, amen.