Vol. 2, No. 45 – 11-5-2017
And they came bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. And being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. Mark 2:3-4
Let’s picture this in today’s cultural climate: a group of Christians gather in a small home. It is rumored that there have been strange things occurring in these meetings—healings, strange voices, shouting, loud singing, etc. The Fire Department has been notified by “concerned” neighbors. The City has been put on notice of “illegal” meetings that violate recently passed ordinances.
Perhaps a riot will break out? Perhaps this will turn political; you certainly cannot mix politics with religion. The gathering has been increasing in numbers lately. It is time for government to stand and take a course of action—shut it down!
Into the gathering comes a murmur; there are four men carrying someone to the gathering.
The “Fearless Foursome” carry their friend on a pallet. The friend is unable to move—perhaps it is Parkinson’s disease. However, there is a problem. They cannot get in; there are too many in the gathering. There needs to be a plan “B.”
What is neat about this community is that houses use the same blueprint; they are much alike. The “Fearless Foursome” know the roof is flat and there is an outside staircase. So, with their plan “B” they move to the stairs and carry their friend up to the roof. They begin to carve out a hole to lower the pallet—this is not a small hole.
The roof is made of packed materials (between the beams). Some debris begins to fall; dust begins to fill the air. Debris is falling on the people gathered.
I remember falling through the ceiling at our home in New York. I was in the attic, and suddenly I was in a closet. Plasterboard drifted heavy in the air. You could not see because of the debris in the air. It was one big mess.
I am sure that it was a mess for the “Fearless Foursome” and the home owner, and for the people gathered. Eight hands of the “Fearless Foursome” lowered their friend just in front of Jesus—blueprints are great! We are not told if the “Fearless Foursome” repaired the roof, but I am just supposing they were roofing contractors by trade and could easily repair the damage.
Some things to notice:
- There was a lot of inconvenience—that did not stop the “Fearless Foursome“
- Things went unconventional—that did not impede the “Fearless Foursome“
- Things interrupted the guests—that did not bother the work of the “Fearless Foursome“
- Things were crowded—that just made for creativity by the “Fearless Foursome“
- There were difficulties—that just made for resolve among the “Fearless Foursome“
- There were probably interruptions by the leaders—that just made for more resolve among the “Fearless Foursome”
The result was an action through faith, an approach to the One who could care for the individual, a view of God’s work displayed before believers and unbelievers alike, and a command to be acted upon. Interesting, isn’t it, what leaders will do to accomplish what they are committed to do, to make a difference in other’s lives.
How is it with you? Do you have a fearless compassion for those who need to come to Christ and be healed in the midst of their sin-sick heart? God is constantly seeking the lost and He invites us to participate in His extension of love of those He created.
And he rose and immediately took up the pallet and went out in the sight of all; so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” Mark 2:12
