Read Mk. 2:1-12
Sometimes if not all the time we easily get discouraged when faced with challenges in our faith journey. We forget that the enemy of our soul is not always happy anything we make conscious effort to be more like God especially in bringing joy to others. He throws all forms of obstacle to break down our resolve. He attacks our will power and makes us feel inadequate in our service of God.
Sometimes if not all the time we easily get discouraged when faced with challenges in our faith journey. We forget that the enemy of our soul is not always happy anything we make conscious effort to be more like God especially in bringing joy to others. He throws all forms of obstacle to break down our resolve. He attacks our will power and makes us feel inadequate in our service of God.
These four men were faced with the ugly scenario of getting their sick friend to Jesus (Mk. 2:4). With the kind of obstacle the faced, it was very likely we would have given up if we were in their shoes, but they never did. The seeming crowd could not deter them nor was their will power broken. They must accomplish their mission. Since they could not go through the door, they resolved that something must make way – the roof (v.4). Can you beat that? You can imagine the amount of energy spent in this task. A service driven faith propelled by pure love I will say. I can imagine hearing them under their breath as they rip open the roof: “no weapon fashioned against us will prosper in getting ‘John’ to Jesus. This is our day, this is our opportunity and nothing, absolutely nothing will stop us.”
I can imagine the fright and the commotion of the crowd; worst still the insults that were hurled at these four men. All these fell on deaf ears in so far as they can get their friend to Jesus. I can also imagine the calmness, smiles and excitement on the face of Jesus seeing all these happening (“Hmmm! Dis men get heart oooo!”)
Mercy and healing came this man’s way as a result of the undeterred “service-faith” of these four men backed with love. V.5 says, ‘When Jesus saw the faith of these people, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.
Friend, the mercy face of God is and will be manifested by our undeterred service-faith backed with love, and as such like these four friends we should resolve not to let our will power be broken. Obstacles will surely come but remember you can never be too disadvantaged to serve.
Resolve today to carry on not allowing that thing whatever it might be to deter you of your service to God in your environment.
Sing prayerfully, “I depend only on You, King of glory, I depend only on You, Lion of Judah.” Pray too with Ps. 27 and study Deut. 26.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.