Luke Chapter 5: Verses 18-20 (NLT Version)
Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”
A young man’s friends believed that if they took him to meet Jesus, he would be healed. They were not put off by the crowd, or the obstacles with which they were faced. They knew their friend’s need was greater than anything that stood in their way. And they were rewarded – Jesus saw their faith. But He did something unexpected; first He forgave the young man for his sins, and then He healed his physical need. Jesus knew all about what the young man needed. Perhaps even his friends were unaware of what was in the man’s heart. Jesus knows our deepest need, be they seen or unseen and He will deal with them in the way that’s best. We may be surprised at the way He does.
Are we easily put off in introducing people to Jesus? They might even put obstacles in our way when we try. How willing are we to persevere on behalf of those we love? And if Jesus moves in a way that we don’t expect, we need to be careful how we respond. He knows what He is doing and His ways are higher than ours – and definitely better!
Dear Lord,Thank You that You see all of my needs, whether they are physical or spiritual, and You know how best to meet them, even if its in a way that we don’t expect. Help me to be patient as You do. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen