Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Eyes of Faith

SCRIPTURE

Mark 2:1 ¶ When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.
Mark 2:2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.
Mark 2:3 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
Mark 2:4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:5 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

OBSERVATION

As I read this text today, I realized when we encounter pain, turmoil, difficulty, suffering or some type of struggle we reach out for help. Maybe we go to the doctor or consult a book. Today many look for answers and direction on the Internet. The friends of this man went to Jesus. I had to ask myself: Do I go to Jesus as a last resort or do I make Him my first priority. Is He the one I run to when I am in need of help?
I also noticed they were hindered because of the crowd and couldn’t easily reach Jesus.
Do you remember Zaccheus who couldn’t see Jesus because of the press of the crowd? (Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.)
Zaccheus didn’t let that stop him, however. He climbed a tree so he could get a new perspective. These men would not be hindered either. They did what they had to do. By doing what they did, Jesus in vs. 5 sees their faith. I observed that true faith can bee seen!

APPLICATION
I make a decision to seek Jesus today and if I can’t see him immediately, I will not give up. Seeking means I will have to put some effort into my desire. You don’t work FOR your salvation but you must work OUT your salvation. (Phil 2:12)

PRAYER
Oh Lord please fulfill the word that says if you ask you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. If I persistently seek you, I believe I will find you. Thank you Jesus for revealing your self to us and helping us in out difficulty.