Devotionals

Faithful Friends

by Jennifer Woodley 
05/11/17
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Faithful Friends

‘When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”’ Mark 2:5 (NIV).

How was the faith of the four men evident in this parable? They demonstrated great exertion by bringing their paralytic friend to Jesus so that he might be healed. There was no way to access Jesus by going through the front door of the house because of the great crowd. So they heaved their friend on a makeshift bed up onto the flat roof, removed part of it, dug through the rest to make a hole and then carefully lowered him down into the room in front of Jesus. This was no small feat!

Human need had moved them to compassionate action. They deeply loved their friend and deeply believed that Christ could heal him. Faith will go to great efforts to seek out Christ. Faith will overcome obstacles to be in his presence. Faith will persist until it has received what is needed. Faith never gives up and because of this, will not be disappointed. Faith in action glorifies God and amazes others. The man in the story received healing, took his mat and went out before all of them, so that the crowd were amazed and praised God.

Imagine the excitement of his friends, who had not given up despite the difficult endeavour to bring the man to Jesus. Are we part of the solution? Are we exercising our faith by praying for others and introducing them to Christ as the opportunity arises? Yes there are obstacles, but don’t give up. Dig past them. For our faith in action brings great rewards.