FAITH WITHOUT A CEILING

(Republished post by: Lilly Hobbs)

There’s a story in Mark chapter two that never ceases to awaken and deepen a sense of true faith within my soul. No matter how many times I hear this story preached or how many times I read it for myself with my own eyes, I’m always left contemplating whether or not I have faith without a ceiling.

Jesus has arrived back in Capernaum to do ministry, and on this particular evening, He is speaking in someone’s house, which is crowded with those straining to hear the famous local, and perhaps even witness a miracle or two.

Meanwhile, five guys, four of whom are mobile and one who is paralyzed, are outside the house desperately trying to press through the crowd to get to Jesus. The four have carried their paralyzed friend some distance only to be met with every kind of obstacle imaginable.

Though this is not recorded in Scripture, I cannot help but picture the scene in my mind. The paralytic in that moment, trying to remain optimistic, looking into the eyes of his friends and saying something like, “Thanks for trying, guys. I really appreciate it, but it just doesn’t look like it’s going to happen today.” The friends looking around, rather unsure of the next step to take, or perhaps wondering if there even is a next step.

Suddenly one of them (the bold, crazy one of course) says, “Wait!” He points up toward the top of the house where everyone is gathered. “What about the roof?! What if we lowered him in through the roof?”

It is made clear to us by what happens next that these men have faith without a ceiling.

What are these men willing to do in order to get their friend to Jesus? They start digging through the roof of the house on their hands and knees. Imagine them breaking through the surface that’s strong enough to hold their weight, after years of settling and protecting those inside from the elements.

The ceiling was no match for these four friends who were determined to get to Jesus.

Attempt to picture the look on their friend’s face who is laying on the ground watching, amazed by their love and determination. Maybe he’s shaking his head in amazement, humbled by their willingness to take a huge risk on his behalf. Perhaps he’s scared for when they carry him up and lower him down? He was already paralyzed, but what if he fell? What if his friends fell?

Debris and dirt begin to fall on the heads of those in the house. Jesus cannot hide his smile perhaps, knowingly. The owner of the house is standing there, utterly confused.

Bright rays of sunlight pierce the floor, and the paralyzed man is lowered down by his sweaty, exhausted friends. Silence. No one dares say a thing.

The man’s eyes meet Jesus’ eyes as He bends down to speak with him. The crowd is waiting and watching expectantly.

Mark writes that Jesus looks at the men and sees their faith. I mean, it would be pretty difficult to miss the giant hole in the ceiling, which is a tangible reminder of their belief. His first words to the paralyzed man are, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Due to the faith of this man’s friends, and the healing power of Jesus, the former paralytic rolls up his mat and walks home in freedom and forgiveness.

What a story! If there’s anything you take from this story let it be this… Jesus is so worth the risks. Everything we’ve ever needed He is.

Too many of us are playing it safe when Jesus is saying, “Come on, try me. All that’s necessary is faith without a ceiling.”

SO, WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

= Where are you currently playing it safe?

= In what ways/areas are you currently taking risks?

= What are you going to do differently?