I love the story in Mark 2 of the paralytic. Already (we are only in Chapter 2) Jesus has become so popular that a crowd surrounds him wherever he goes. There is this man, paralyzed, whose friends carry him to Jesus, in hopes of being made well.
Perhaps you remember the details of the story - when there is no way for them to get near Jesus they go up on the roof. They remove the ceiling tiles and lower the man, on his pallet, in front of Jesus.
I love this story!
There is another line in there, which is a comment made by Jesus, just before he heals the man. Mark writes, "When Jesus saw their faith...." "Their faith"? Whose faith? It seems to be reference to the faith of the whole bunch of folks involved in carrying their friend to Jesus.
Some of us are more aware than others of those who have "carried" us and carefully placed us at the feet of Jesus. My mother was the one who wrestled us all out of bed on Sunday morning and herded us into the car and off to Cedar Grove Lutheran Church. There, I listen to Aaron Lippard preach, Patsy Beam teach Sunday School, Barbara Beam play the organ, and Steve Beam quote a bible verse for every occasion. I was carried to the place where I could be placed at the feet of Jesus. When Jesus blessed me, it was no doubt while looking at all these others and noting their faith.
Who carried you? Who has placed you at the feet of Jesus? It is their faith which has played a significant role in your own. Realize this; give thanks for this.
Then, turn all this around. Who are you in a position to carry? We carry others through our prayers. We carry others as we invite them to church. We carry them, but we are not responsible for healing them; that is Jesus' job. We simply get them into position.
I love the story of the four friends who won't allow the obstacles to stand in their way. I love the message that the faith of others figures into the story of every one of us. I love this story; mostly because I love those who have carried me and I love what has happened because of their efforts.
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