Then Tear the Roof Off

The entire text I read for today: Mark 1:1-3:6

Mark 2:2-5

2) And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3) And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4) And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5) When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Ever really wanted to accomplish a task that proved too daunting? Situations seemed insurmountable, like there was nothing you could do to make this happen?

In the passage above a group of friends ventured to the city of Capernaum in search of a healer to help their friend born with palsy. However, when they arrived they found the house was packed with too many people. Most people would have seen the crowd, heard no one else was allowed in and went home. In fact, many people may have walked away, but this passage is not about those who gave up. This group of friends were so determined, they climbed the house, tore a hole in the roof, and lowered their sick friend to Christ.

How often do we see the crowds and turn around and go home? We see the difficulty and give up despite all the effort we put in to come this far. If this sounds too much like a previous reading, I would not be surprised. The Bible is full of examples of those who overcame the odds, stepped out on faith, and completed their journeys. Are these coincidences? Did God need a break from talking about heaven and hell, love and repentance and needed a few other stories to use as filler? Nothing in the Bible is a coincidence or an afterthought! God knew that we would all be faced with challenges and need constant reminders to have faith and push through the obstacles to accomplish our goals.

So, when you are faced with what may appear to be immovable barriers keeping you from your mission, do not be afraid to scale the wall and tear the roof off.

In Christ's love,
Phoebe Jane