March 12, 2024 - Mark 2:2-5

“Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”” Mark 2:2-5 NLT

Lord, this blind man had such good friends. What great faith the friends had to do whatever it took to get help for their paralytic friend. They knew you could heal him and change his life forever. I am certain it wasn’t socially acceptable to dig a hole in the roof of this house. But they were willing to live with the consequences to see their friend healed. I am sure the people packed in the house that suddenly had the roof crumbling over them and a man lowered in their space, were not happy about the situation. I would guess that there were others wanting Jesus’ attention who also were not happy about what these men were doing to get Jesus’s attention. But these men didn’t care what others thought, they were desperate to get their friend before Jesus to be healed.

Lord, our faith has great implications on the lives of others. Grow our understanding of this fact. Are we fighting and doing whatever it takes to bring those in need of Jesus to his feet? Do we have faith that Jesus is powerful enough and he will transform their lives if we can get them to his feet? I want to answer, “Yes”, but there is evidence in my life that says otherwise. Forgive us for caring about social protocols or the opinions of people. Make it our hearts cry to be friends who do what it takes to bring those in need to your feet where they can be redeemed, set free, and healed.

In Jesus name, amen.