Four Friends and a Roof-Torn Faith 9/22

Four Friends and a Roof-Torn Faith

Four men carried a paralyzed friend on a mat. They believed Jesus could help him. When they arrived, the crowd blocked the door. They did not make excuses or decide to try again later. They carried their friend up the outside stairs onto the roof. They tore through clay and pulled away tiles. They dug until the opening was large enough to lower the man down.

Real faith does more than talk about people who need Jesus. It finds a way to bring them to Jesus. This was not convenient faith. It was sweaty, dusty, roof-tearing faith. It was the kind of faith that said they did not carry him this far to leave him outside.

Faith that never costs anything seldom carries anybody anywhere. It may cost you an awkward conversation or tears shed in prayer. Is there someone you have stopped carrying because the way seemed blocked? Whose corner have you let go of?

“And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.” (Luke 5:19)

Prayer: Confess to God the times you have chosen convenience over carrying someone to Him.

Challenge: Write the name of one person who needs Jesus and commit to pray for them this week.

To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link: https://www.mbcpb.org/media