In This Together

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven."  Luke 5:20

This story of healing has always been a rich experience for me.  From the beginning I've been bowled over by the selfless friends that carried this man into the presence of Jesus, especially since it involved a little craftiness and some drama.  The feat of getting him to the roof ... digging through the ceiling (someone else's ceiling!).  Now that's love for your friend.  And, either desperation that grows from that love, or faith in Jesus.  It couldn't hurt to try after all they'd heard; but trying was no small feat.  Perhaps the combination of love and hope is what carried all the power.

But, I've been thinking about this.  And, the verse above still baffles me.  THEIR faith is what got Jesus' attention.   At first read, that flies in the face of what I was taught growing up.  I couldn't ride the faith-coattails of Mama or Daddy.  It was up to me to work out my own salvation, get face-to-face with Jesus myself.  So, what gives here?

Well, first, I believe that the fella on the pallet is a part of the 'they' and 'their.'  He may not have been able to help himself get to the house or get to the roof, much less through it.  But, he was an active participant.  Imagine yourself lying on that pallet unable to help your friends as they determine they're gonna get you before this man, Jesus.  Imagine the exertion of strength and energy along the journey however short or long; imagine the disappointment to find 'the place' only to see the crowd spilling out of the house leaving no room for them; imagine the determination of your friends as they work on plan B.  Imagine receiving all that love.  All of that ... not knowing what might or might not happen even if you get to meet this Jesus.  So, second, I believe that the fella on the pallet is just as self-sacrificing as the others.  His pride had to go; his ego had to go; he had to recognize that he had as much control of this effort as he had over his legs ... and, they didn't work.  He participated by remaining open to the love of his friends, healing in its own rite, and the possibility of complete healing from Jesus.  That, I'm convinced, is the hardest work of all.  We ARE in this together and it is a right, even a righteous thing to experience someone else's love for you.

Lord, you know already how hard it is for me to be still and let your love for me seep deep inside me.  Even tougher, it is, to be still and let someone else love me.  I'd rather get busy showing them my gratitude, proving my love for them right back.  But, I confess, that pulls me out of the moment and I miss feeling, seeing, knowing bits of that love because I'm already busy working on something else.  Help me be still ... and know not only that you are God, but that you are loving me more than I could ever imagine.  Especially through wonderful people.  I'm glad I'm in it with the folks you've raised up in my life.  I do want to love them faithfully and fully.  But, today, I'm asking for a nudge or two that will help me receive fully their love for me.  For, I count it as a gift from you!  Let it be so, Lord.  Let it be so.