This is a great story about four friends who didn't give up... before the four branches of US Military were invented, they believed in "Leaving no man behind."
Four friends who were the legs and strength for their paralytic buddy. There were obstacles in the way. There were crowds of people literally busting out of the house. His friends were desperate for him to be healed by Jesus. They did whatever it took to bring him to Jesus.
When was the last time you helped a friend? A friend in need of your strength, your commitment, and your love.
Mark 2, starting at verse 1: "When Jesus entered Capernaum, the people heard that He had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, even outside the door, and He preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic, 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 and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on." (NIV)
Can you imagine? Their determination was so strong- they were not going to let anything get in the way of their crippled friend and Jesus... not even a structure like a roof! They tore away at the shingles and they dug through the plaster. I am sure there were particles, dust, and pieces falling right beside Jesus. Jesus must have looked up and saw this pathetic man being lowered down from the ceiling.
That must have been a strange event then... and it would be a strange event now. Could you imagine sitting in church with people packed out to the brim of the church walls, and all of a sudden plaster, dust, and particles start to fall from the ceiling? Suddenly, you hear commotion with a visual of a man being lowered down from the ceiling in the middle of the service? What a humorous and alarming sight that would be!
Jesus knew these four were interceding for their friend. Jesus saw their faith and determination- and because of that, Jesus forgave and healed their crippled friend.
"We need to get him to Jesus- no matter the cost!"
When was the last time you interceded for a friend who was down? Who was spiritually crippled? A friend who lost the means of strength and determination and you interceded for him. Maybe there is a buddy or a loved one who needs you to carry him/her to the one true Hope- The one true Healer.
The true story goes on to say:
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven' ... He said to the paralytic, '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!" (NIV)
Is there a friend in your life right now that is saying, "I need Jesus. I want His healing on my life, but I don't have the strength to get there. There are too many obstacles... pains... regrets to get to Him by myself. Can you carry me? Can you help me to reach my Savior and Healer- Jesus Christ?"
Here was a man whose only hope was Jesus. There were all these people and obstacles between him and Jesus. His friends could have turned away, and this man would have never experienced the healing and the forgiving touch of Jesus Christ.
They didn't let the hindrances stop them. The man got to Jesus, no matter what it took, and he was healed. Be an ambassador for Jesus today. Represent Him by saying to your friend or loved one, "It's a hard road- but I will carry you. When we get there- I want to experience Christ's healing power and forgiveness with you."
Love at all cost. Love with reckless abandon and not even a building can stop you from entering into His presence.
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"I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
with a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on,
I'm holdin' on,
I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you" - LIFEHOUSE
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Four friends who were the legs and strength for their paralytic buddy. There were obstacles in the way. There were crowds of people literally busting out of the house. His friends were desperate for him to be healed by Jesus. They did whatever it took to bring him to Jesus.
When was the last time you helped a friend? A friend in need of your strength, your commitment, and your love.
Mark 2, starting at verse 1: "When Jesus entered Capernaum, the people heard that He had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, even outside the door, and He preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic, 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 and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on." (NIV)
Can you imagine? Their determination was so strong- they were not going to let anything get in the way of their crippled friend and Jesus... not even a structure like a roof! They tore away at the shingles and they dug through the plaster. I am sure there were particles, dust, and pieces falling right beside Jesus. Jesus must have looked up and saw this pathetic man being lowered down from the ceiling.
That must have been a strange event then... and it would be a strange event now. Could you imagine sitting in church with people packed out to the brim of the church walls, and all of a sudden plaster, dust, and particles start to fall from the ceiling? Suddenly, you hear commotion with a visual of a man being lowered down from the ceiling in the middle of the service? What a humorous and alarming sight that would be!
Jesus knew these four were interceding for their friend. Jesus saw their faith and determination- and because of that, Jesus forgave and healed their crippled friend.
"We need to get him to Jesus- no matter the cost!"
When was the last time you interceded for a friend who was down? Who was spiritually crippled? A friend who lost the means of strength and determination and you interceded for him. Maybe there is a buddy or a loved one who needs you to carry him/her to the one true Hope- The one true Healer.
The true story goes on to say:
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven' ... He said to the paralytic, '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!" (NIV)
Is there a friend in your life right now that is saying, "I need Jesus. I want His healing on my life, but I don't have the strength to get there. There are too many obstacles... pains... regrets to get to Him by myself. Can you carry me? Can you help me to reach my Savior and Healer- Jesus Christ?"
Here was a man whose only hope was Jesus. There were all these people and obstacles between him and Jesus. His friends could have turned away, and this man would have never experienced the healing and the forgiving touch of Jesus Christ.
They didn't let the hindrances stop them. The man got to Jesus, no matter what it took, and he was healed. Be an ambassador for Jesus today. Represent Him by saying to your friend or loved one, "It's a hard road- but I will carry you. When we get there- I want to experience Christ's healing power and forgiveness with you."
Love at all cost. Love with reckless abandon and not even a building can stop you from entering into His presence.
><>
"I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing
with a broken heart that's still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I'm holdin' on,
I'm holdin' on,
I'm holdin' on
I'm barely holdin' on to you" - LIFEHOUSE
><>
2 comments:
This is a great post!
I am ashamed to say there are many hurting people around me who I don't take time to help. This post has given me a new outlook on helping and interceeding for those who are too weak to do it on their own.
thanks for sharing
Thank you for your raw honesty!
It is very easy to get trapped in our own box. We become so focused with our little world... and we don't have room or time to reach out to those around us.
I pray, "Let me see people through your eyes today, God." This regains my focus on those who are hurting around me.
Thank you again for sharing!
In His Love.
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