September 25 – Faith of Friends

When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, " Son, your sins are forgiven." But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home." And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."  Mark 2:1-12 NASB

I love this story—the faith of friends. They were so sure that Jesus could heal their friend that they carried him to the home where Jesus was staying, likely Peter’s home in Capernaum. Finding it so crowded that they couldn’t get in the door, they climbed up on the roof and took away the roofing material, probably date palm fronds, and lowered their friend on his pallet down to Jesus’ feet. Do you think Jesus laughed—or at least smiled at the persistence of these friends? I think a huge smile came over his face as the palm fronds were removed. In His compassionate way, Jesus healed that young man—and that probably brought joy and healing to his friends, too. The crowd probably moved aside to let the healed man out of Peter’s house. Let him out to spread the news—yet another healing! Jesus was amazing. The Pharisees may not have thought so at the time. They just thought that Jesus was blaspheming.

We don’t need to let our friends down through the roof for Jesus’ healing—but we do need to share with others that they too can have the peace, joy, strength, love and healing that Jesus has to offer. Are you seeking His peace, joy, love, strength, or healing? It is available for the asking—get into prayer with the Master. Put a smile on His face as you ask offer worship to Him and ask for Him to work in your life.

Dear Jesus—I worship You with all my heart and strength—and I ask today that You would have compassion and mercy on…me and on my friends. Thank you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Happy Birthday, Liberty!