One of our first nights of ministry in India, we were taken to a church service. I love watching the people file in, giving them a huge smile, and making them feel comfortable.
In the process of people filing in, there was some sort of hold up. We saw a woman that was obviously paralyzed dragging herself up the stairs. Her pastor and a friend held her bible and helped her along. They got her situated and moved on.
I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. This woman is stunning, probably not much older than I am. She literally had to drag herself into church with the help of her community. The imagery immediately reminded me of Mark 2:1-12.
In this story, Jesus was preaching in a full church. There was a paralyzed man that was being carried by his friends, but they couldn’t get through the crowds. His friends tore through the roof of the building and lowered their friend to the feet of Jesus.
Jesus forgave his sin first. This was a big deal. Jesus taught us that our spiritual health takes priority to our physical health. He healed this man of both his spiritual and physical unhealth. But would that have happened if his friends didn’t fight for him?
The woman in church was carried by her friend and her pastor. She was eagerly clawing her way to hear the word of God. She wasn’t healed physically that night, but she heard the truth of Jesus. She was healed spiritually.
In my life, who’s mat am I carrying? Am I fighting for my friends and family and anyone who will let me to be healed spiritually? Do I have the courage to rip through roofs for people?
Just some food for thought, but what would it be like if we were friends like that? Isn’t that our greatest commandment? Love the Lord with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39)
Wouldn’t you want someone to fight for you? I had people fight for me. I’m here because God sent them to me and gave them the courage to fight.
Carry their mat.
Take them to Jesus.
Fight the crowds.
Rip through the roof.
Lower them to the feet of Jesus.
He’ll take it from there.
