I’m not sure how I would have reacted if I were there that day.
Rushing in anticipation of seeing Jesus while slowed by a heavy load. The men shared in their friend’s burden as they carried him. But no one passes up the chance to see Jesus.
I can’t imagine their defeat as they saw the crowd spilling from their destination. Full beyond capacity.
There was no way to get in the door. This was before fire code regulations, so you know the people were crammed in tight.
Access denied.
I’d probably try to wait it out. Surely someone would have to leave and make room for others to come in.
His friends didn’t waver, however.
The door may have been blocked, but there had to be another way.
Somehow, someway, they maneuvered themselves and the stretcher safely up onto the roof. They began to dismantle the host’s home. They were willing to do whatever it took for their sick friend to get his healing that day.
The crowd must’ve been speechless as they saw a stretcher being lowered right down in front of Jesus.
All that mattered in that moment was that they got in.
It was unconventionally creative. It wasn’t even through the door.
But they got in.
And Jesus, being so awesome, didn’t miss a beat.
He didn’t berate the men for damaging property. He didn’t ask the paralytic man to take a number and wait in line. Jesus forgave the man and then healed him right away.
Am I desperate to connect with Jesus that I’d be willing to do whatever it takes? Would I dismantle this part of my life or disrupt that part of my life to get close to Him?
May we not get distracted by the crowds and the seemingly closed doors. Let’s do whatever we must to connect with Jesus.
For our forgiveness and our healing.
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It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Kate and the five-minute Friday community. The door is always open there. I’m also linking up in a second place today, with Deb over at Counting My Blessings.