Scripture: Mark 2:1-5
When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
This was one of my favorite Bible stories as a child. My vivid imagination would run wild as we read this story. I could see this group of friends, so concerned about their paralyzed friend, lowering him down right next to the feet of Jesus. I could hear the noise, the commotion of the crowd, perhaps even see Jesus’ smile at the faith of these men and their care for their friend.
They placed their hope – their trust – in Jesus that he would be able to meet their deepest need, and heal their deepest wound. Their hope was that this man – Jesus – was capable and willing to heal their friend and restore him to life.
Jesus did just that! The paralyzed man jumped up, and walked out the door of the house. He was healed! He was a changed man because of the faith, hope, and trust placed in Christ.
Each of us have places in our lives where we need Christ’s touch, and to trust that Christ is willing and able to heal them. Maybe it is something that has happened, in your past, that you can’t seem to let go. Maybe it is something that is holding you back from completely giving your life over to Christ. Whatever it is, Christ is willing to do the miraculous and touch us in the places of our deepest needs, so long as we trust and have faith in Christ.
In this season of hope, let us not forget that Christ is willing and able to take care of us, protect us, and heal us at our most deepest area of need.
Lord, We place our hope and trust in you knowing you are our healer. There are places in our lives that we need your healing hand. Touch us, Father, heal us, Lord, care for us, Holy Spirit, so that we may be able to walk fully in your presence. Amen.
Shannon Blosser 