Ripples Ministry

Have you ever wondered what kind of friend you are? Have you ever asked yourself or those around you if you are a good friend? Can people count on you? Are you as good as your word? Is your yes, yes and your no, no? Do you keep your promises? When the chips are down, who can count on your help? Again I ask, what kind of friend are you?

We are told in the gospel of Luke, chapter 5 verses 17-26 about the story of a group of men who so loved their friend who was paralyzed, they went to great lengths to bring him to Christ so that he might be healed.

The first thing we notice in the story was that the men knew where Jesus was and that He had the power to heal. If you are a Christian, think for a moment about all the things Christ has “healed” in your life. Remember where you were before your personal encounter with Jesus. Were you paralyzed in sin, unable to lift yourself from addiction or some other thing that had taken over your life? And now that he has released you from your bondage are you anxious to show others where Christ may be found? It is something to consider.

When they arrived where Jesus was, they found the way blocked. There was such a crowd around Jesus that there was no easy way in. They were carrying their friend and I imagine that he was getting heavy after all that time. What to do? Turn back?

Let’s face it. The gospel of Jesus is under attack and the barriers to bringing people to Christ have scarce been more challenging than today I believe. In the age of “political correctness” those who would follow Christ are labeled “intolerant” and much worse. We are told that bible is irrelevant and the teachings of Christ are a great springboard to more perfect and pure truths. We are mocked and dismissed and made to feel that our devotion to the savior of the world is somehow wrong. Do these barriers stop you at the door? Is the cost for saving the friend too much? Is the burden too great?

In Luke, the love of the friends and their faith in Jesus’ power to heal their friend would not be denied. In fact, they carried him to the roof and cut a hole in it!

What lengths are you willing to go to in order that those you care about are saved? Does the first barrier stumble you or are you determined to help them? The paralytic certainly could not have climbed the stairs himself and without his friends would have been trapped with no way in. How creative are you in bringing those you love to salvation?

Ultimately the men lowered their friend down the hole to Christ. Let me ask you. When was the last time you invited someone to church? Do you pick them up and take them? Remember, they are paralyzed in their sin. Do you care?

Finally Jesus forgave the man his sins through the faith of his friends. What do you believe that those you care about are in greatest need of today? Money? Health? That new car? A healing? God sees our greatest need as fixing that which separates us from Him. If someone doesn’t show us the way, we remain paralyzed in our sin, unable to move any closer to a God that loves us and wants to forgive us and make us well.

Remember the paralytic was one step from death, dependant on others to do that which he could not do himself. Think about your friends. If you don’t carry them to Jesus who will? Can you take that step of love before they are consumed in their paralysis, eternally separated from God? What will it take for you to pick them up?

In closing, have you ever seen you friends in this way? Perhaps it is time to ask God for the strength to carry your friends and family, in love, to Him. Remember, the days are short.

What Kind of friend are you?

And perhaps you are reading this today and you identify not with the friends, but rather with the paralytic. You are paralyzed in your sin, unable to rise from that which binds you and separates you from God. Then consider this your stretcher today and allow it to carry you to the God of mercy and grace. Click here to find out how.

Blessings upon Blessings

Tim

PS- if I may join with you in prayer, please feel free to email me.