Some People Can Help Us Get Closer To Jesus

Years ago, the funk band Parliament had a song called “Tear the Roof Off”. Maybe you grooved to the sound as well during those disco years. It made you want to move your feet. Our story today is one where a man could not move his feet for he was paralyzed, but things changed when… the roof was torn off!
Mark 2:1-12 tells this story, “A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Some friends decided to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed. But, as it is often the case, they found that transporting him took a bit longer than expected and they arrived after most of the crowd had gathered. There was no room for them to even get into the door of the building where Jesus was healing and preaching. So… they got creative. If they could not go through the door, they would make their own entrance. In Jesus’ day, it was common that buildings were built close together and these men likely climbed from one building out onto the roof of the building where Jesus was. After getting on top, they dug, yes dug, a hole into the thatch and mud based roof so that they could lower their friend into see Jesus. With friends who worked so hard, you know their faith was strong. Jesus heals the man, not for his faith, but “when Jesus saw their faith”. The paralyzed man had his friends and Jesus to thank for his health!
Who are your friends? Are they good influences or negative influences? Friends of faith can help you be healed both in body and soul. Think about recent events in professional sports. Poor choices of friends have recently impacted football player Michael Vick, basketball NBA referee Tim Donaghy, and baseball player Barry Bonds so much that all are being looked at in a suspicious light. No one wants to be associated with animal cruelty and cheating. We have to choose good friends who will help look out for our well being in the same way we would look out for theirs.
My mother used to say, “if you lay down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.” I believe she was right. We may be able to minister to those who are wayward, but we must have a solid positive base of friends to support us in our journey. Find friends and a church family that can help you get closer to Jesus.

We Should All Carry A Sign That Says, “God at Work”

Can something be brought back from the dead? Sometimes! In 1978 the Department of the Interior of the United States (ironic that it is called interior when it is responsible for the outdoors), called upon the state of California to do what seemed to be the impossible. Restore the land and trees of Redwood Forest National Park to its original state. Over the years, roads have been removed, stream and estuary areas have been repaired, ski trials erased, and trees and brush have been replanted. It has been a long and sometimes difficult task for human beings. It has also served as a “classroom” from which to learn how other areas may be restored. When will this job be completed? It will take decades to see real progress and centuries for the redwood trees to re-grow.
Philippians 1:6 says “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Patience is a virtue. Things don’t usually happen over night. It is frustrating to think that when we are Christians that all of our bad habits don’t simply vanish into thin air. We are still being perfected in Christ Jesus.
How long does it take God to grow that Redwood into the world’s largest tree? And, you did know that while people certainly helped plant and place trees, God makes it happen. Our vanity has to be checked as we live life. While we are to be transformed in Christ, it is not immediate. Shockingly, we still find ourselves, from time to time, reverting to actions displeasing to God. We are sinners and that will not change, at least on this earth. As Christians we must realize that the work that God has going on in us is also going on in others around us. The next time you find yourself offended, angry, or hurt by another, don’t simply be disillusioned and walk away mad. Realize that God is still at work in that person too. In a way, each of us is like the Redwood tree. Within our own faith walk, we sometimes find ourselves as a seedling. Other times we demonstrate the faith a nearly grown tree. That’s just the way it is. So remember to forgive one another as God has forgiven you and keep reaching toward the heavens as you grow in faith. God loves you and is at work in your life.

A Masterpiece Made By God

It was built in 1889 for a world wide celebration and exposition. It was expected to be taken apart and moved to another location. Over three hundred workers assembled over 18,000 pieces of iron during its construction. Most people who lived in the city where it was built thought it to be an eyesore. In fact, a local novelist hated it so much that he went to it everyday to eat lunch because he claimed it was “the one place I can eat and look out upon the city and not see it.” What horrific and ugly structure am I talking about? The Eiffel Tower of course! What is now seen as one of the world’s most amazing architectural wonders was once considered out of place and a waste of time, energy, and especially money. Today when you think of Paris, France you almost always envision the Eiffel Tower as part of the scene that rushes through your minds eye.
To many people in “the world”, a life of service to Jesus Christ looks like an eyesore. The very idea of being a servant to other people or being accountable to anyone, including God may sound foolish and antiquated. There are new books out now (ex. Chris Hitchens book God Is Not Great, etc…) about how Christianity has ruined the world and people’s lives. But is there any substantial truth to this? Or is this another attempt to maim, injure, or destroy the Church and people’s faith? I have no doubt that the Church is made up of imperfect people who fail in many aspects of life. I can count myself as one those as well! Have individual churches gotten “off track” in its ministry and actions. One church may mirror a “Country Club” while another may become so controlling as to try to dictate every aspect of a member’s life. Other churches may fall somewhere in between. But still the Church is the body of Jesus Christ. It is continually working to do God’s will on Earth.
Come to think of it, Jesus was rejected as well. He was told He was foolish by those who were in political, social, and religious power. People who scorned Him wanted to know when He might leave town, stop ministering, and speak well of those in charge. He didn’t stop, leave, or keep silent. Jesus built His church out of a bunch of misfits who in our time would never have been great and successful leaders. Nevertheless, Jesus built the Church.Matthew 16:18 tells us that Jesus will build the Church upon the rock that is Peter the Apostle. In other words, Peter and people like him will take Christ’s message out to the world. Peter was far from perfect, but Christ chose him. And Christ chooses you too. You, the imperfect person you are. You have been chosen be God’s beloved child. Like the Eiffel Tower, you may not look glorious to some, but to God, you are a masterpiece. When Christ lives in your heart, you are beautiful…a work of art. Today let God love you and give yourself totally over to God with an obedient spirit. You will be thankful that you did and amazed at how beautiful your life will become.