THE FAITH OF FOUR
Then they came to Him,bringing a paralytic whowas carried by four men.Mark 2:3
The incident mentioned in Mark of four men getting a paralytic man to Jesus for healing has been one of my favorites. Reported in this incident, we really see more about the four men and their activities than that of the paralytic. We begin with Jesus preaching in a residence. The house was full and many people were in the overflow. Those carriers, however, were very determined. If they couldn't get in the door to Jesus, they would find another way. There was a strong determination to get that handicapped man to Jesus. Jesus' reputation had spread and they saw Him as their friend's only help and hope
I don't know how the house owners felt about it, but the men went up a side stairway that was common to houses in that day. Common also was the construction of roofs. They had no air conditioning and little accommodation for air circulation. Most houses then had removable large pieces of a roof that could be opened and moved to one side. Those guys were very creative and determined to get their friend to Jesus. It worked. They lowered that paralytic down right to Jesus.
How about us? We may not have ever been paralytic physically in times past, but I believe there have been other times of paralysis...emotional, spiritual, difficult circumstances where for some reason, we just couldn't get to Jesus. It was never the fault of Jesus because we know He's always with us, never forsaking us. Some things happen that just seem to stop us in our tracks. At those times, nothing feels normal.
Obviously, the four men in the incident above were toting some kind of stretcher with each of the men taking one corner. We don't know the size of the paralytic but it would seem that four were needed to carry that man to Jesus. You and I in our most difficult of times have had “stretcher” carriers that in it all have worked on our behalf to get to Jesus.
In my own life I'm thinking of a dear Sunday school teacher, deacons, pastoral staff members, children and good friends. They haven't all functioned at the same time, but I've often had four or more who have ministered in my life to get me to to Lord. Salvation wasn't the issue...rigors of life were. As I often say, they were “Jesus with skin on.” Never underestimate the importance of being a burden bearer in the life of another even if it means taking some unusual steps in doing so.
Father God, I'm so grateful for those who have carried me along over the last several months. Bless them and somehow let them know what their ministry has meant to me. Keep me aware of times I need to take hold of a corner of one's life encouraging that person of Your loving care. In Jesus' precious name....Amen