Word@Work 017 - Mark 2:1-5
Published: Tue, 12/04/07
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 2:1-5 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralysed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (NIV)
It is a curious fact that God delights to reveal His character in response to faith. Although many people are confused in their understanding about faith, it is really quite simple.
Faith is not a feeling to be generated - it is the essence of relationship.
It works like this: you have some experience of a person or you have a recommendation; because of that, you make a decision to trust them. When that trust is rewarded you will be more confident to trust them again and with bigger matters. So faith is a practical decision to commit yourself to another person because you believe that they will not disappoint you.
This is how business works every day. Although the days of 'my word is my bond' have largely gone, most of us choose to trade with those we like; and we like them because we believe we can trust them. So it is also with Jesus.
When the four men carried the paralysed man to Jesus and half demolished the roof to reach Him, they were acting in faith. They believed in Jesus. They believed that if they could get the man to Jesus, He would do the rest: and Jesus did! He saw more than just the physical weakness; he saw and healed a spiritual cripple when He forgave his sins.
This story should make us wonder what might happen if we trusted Jesus with every situation. Could He meet the deepest needs of our friends and colleagues? Theoretically, we might believe, but if we have done nothing to bring our associates to Jesus - what kind of faith is that? Two questions may reveal our faith in the saving Christ. How do we pray for our friends? What do we say to them?
Prayer:: Gracious Father God, I know that You are willing to save all who come to You. Please strengthen my faith in You that I may have confidence to do whatever is necessary to bring my friends to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It is a curious fact that God delights to reveal His character in response to faith. Although many people are confused in their understanding about faith, it is really quite simple.
Faith is not a feeling to be generated - it is the essence of relationship.
It works like this: you have some experience of a person or you have a recommendation; because of that, you make a decision to trust them. When that trust is rewarded you will be more confident to trust them again and with bigger matters. So faith is a practical decision to commit yourself to another person because you believe that they will not disappoint you.
This is how business works every day. Although the days of 'my word is my bond' have largely gone, most of us choose to trade with those we like; and we like them because we believe we can trust them. So it is also with Jesus.
When the four men carried the paralysed man to Jesus and half demolished the roof to reach Him, they were acting in faith. They believed in Jesus. They believed that if they could get the man to Jesus, He would do the rest: and Jesus did! He saw more than just the physical weakness; he saw and healed a spiritual cripple when He forgave his sins.
This story should make us wonder what might happen if we trusted Jesus with every situation. Could He meet the deepest needs of our friends and colleagues? Theoretically, we might believe, but if we have done nothing to bring our associates to Jesus - what kind of faith is that? Two questions may reveal our faith in the saving Christ. How do we pray for our friends? What do we say to them?
Prayer:: Gracious Father God, I know that You are willing to save all who come to You. Please strengthen my faith in You that I may have confidence to do whatever is necessary to bring my friends to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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