[318 words]
Mark chapter 2 (as well as Mathew 9 and Luke 5) records the time that Jesus Christ healed a paralyzed man—one who had to be carried by his friends.
The report begins by telling us Jesus was wildly popular at this particular time: “And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door…they could not get near Him because of the crowd” (Mark 2:2,4).
Surely the main point of the event is about Jesus. As the Son of God, Jesus Christ has the power on earth to both heal physical maladies and spiritual sickness. He healed a man physically to prove that He could heal spiritually (Mark 21:10).
Additionally, another key point in all of this is the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends. “And when Jesus saw their faith. He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’” (Mark 2:5).
The door was blocked, so they headed to the roof.
A living and active faith does not give up! Faith does not give in!
There will be times where it seems as if we have no place to turn…nowhere to go…nobody to listen. We may get discouraged and our faith may be seriously challenged.
Do not give up!
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9; cf.2 Thess. 3:13; Heb. 12:3).
There is always an alternative to sin (1 Cor. 10:13).
There is always a path to the feet of the Savior (Matt. 11:28; John 7:27; Rev. 22:17).
Those that are desperately seeking will find what they need (Matt. 7:7-8).
In spite of the obstacles you face, please do not give up and do not give in.
Remember: If the doors are blocked, try the roof!
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY