June 1
Mark 2:1-12
Faith. It’s so easy, yet so very hard! These last couple of days, we have been learning about Jesus’ ability and willingness to heal us. We have learned about His love and His compassion. Still, when we are praying for healing and not receiving immediate answers, it can get depressing. As I’m writing this my eye keeps going to a commentary book I have on the book of Mark. It’s titled Be Diligent. In this passage, Jesus responded to the diligent faith of the paralytic and his friends. It is not good enough to just know that Jesus can heal us. We need to have faith that He will. We need to have the kind of faith that would cause us to make a hole and dig through the roof! Jesus forgave the sins and healed the body of the paralytic because of his faith. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:5 NIV) The good news for us is that we don’t have to destroy anyone’s house to get to Jesus! Sometimes faith comes easily, and other times it is pretty tough. Just be diligent, and remember “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” (Psalm 37:28a)
Principle:
Jesus responds to determined faith to overcome difficulties.
Application:
1. Do I exercise determined faith in bringing resistant people to Christ?
2. Whom do I bring to Him daily in prayer?
3. When I come to Jesus for healing, am I willing for Him to give me new life or do I just want Him to change my hard situation?
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Hmmm. That's what I will chew on today. What is the difference between an active, determined, diligent faith and a passive, inert, maybe even ineffective faith? And which do I practice? Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteJesus sees past our perceived needs and goes right to the core of our problem. He saw their faith (the faith of the friends) and He forgives the sins of the paralytic. If the man had not been healed of his physical problem, Jesus' power would still have been manifested and the paralytic's real problem removed. Oh to see past the temporal and to rejoice daily in the eternal healing of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouragement. Just what I needed today. Not just that He can but faith that He will.
ReplyDeleteWhen praying, it is so easy to remember the people who are ill or who have lost a loved one or have something wrong and pray for them to be healed or comforted. It is important for me to focus on praying not just for what I want or for situations that are already bad, but to also pray for people who need wisdom or guidance (as we all do) and in thanksgiving for things that God has already done for me and the people I know.
ReplyDeleteFor me yesterday and today go together. Will I share Jesus no matter what it cost me? Then here are these 4 men whose faith never stops they climb over the crowds, on the roof, make a hole and all while carring their friend because he needs Jesus. I would have said I can't get to him I will have to try again next time. Not even willing to take the chance or put forth the extra work. My pray for the summer is to boldy share Christ with others not just when convient for me. Step out on faith no matter what it cost me, God will provide all my needs.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the teamwork of the four friends. They were not equally strong, but each did his part. This passage challenges me to not do solo ministry, but to find some partners who can help me carry the load. Crashing through roofs to bring people to Christ is more fun when shared with friends.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that I know Jesus personally, that He is RIGHT HERE with me, living in me. Don't I want to do whatever it takes to help others know they don't have to perform or work for time with God? He's already cleared His schedule for my friends! (So if I have to dig so they can see the work's already been done, than I better have my shovel ready!)
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