Gospel

An Unexpected Response

by Roland Crim
07/23/19
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Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:3-5 NIV

I would be willing to bet that the response which Jesus gave to the paralytic man was not that which he nor his friends expected. The four men who set the paralytic before the Lord just went through quite a bit of effort to get him before the Lord’s eyes. I am sure they truly loved their friend and wanted to see him healed. Jesus’ response to the man brought a healing much more powerful than that which he and his friends sought. Jesus’ response was made lovingly. Imagine Jesus telling you that your slate had been wiped clean. Your sins were forgiven! Your soul could now rest in the Lord!

How often do we in our hearts and souls hear a response from Christ which is not that which we expected? Are we disappointed? Do we wonder if the Lord really cares? I am sure we all go through this, yet, Christ assuredly knows what is best for us, just as He knew what was most important for that paralytic man 2000 years ago. Be ready for the unexpected response at times from the Lord. Remember that His thoughts are not ours, nor are His ways our ways.