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| March 23, 2001 |
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| "And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of palsy lay." Mark 2:4 It isn't always easy to get through a crowd. If you have ever tried to elbow your way to a sale table or leave a sporting event with thousands of people, you know how rude and pushy a crowd can be. The crowd in the account as related to Mark was in the way, making it impossible for the paralytic's friends to get him in front of Jesus or even into the same room with Him. It took ingenuity and a lot of determination to climb to the roof, remove some of its tiles, and lower their friend in front of the Master. What stands in our way and keeps us from bringing our friends to Jesus? Is it the crowds of those surrounding us, who do not know Jesus and who make sharing Him with friends uncomfortable? Is it the temptation to put off sharing Jesus and His love to a better time or more suitable place? This man's friends were persistent! Sharing Jesus with others calls for persistence! May the Spirit help us clear the way for things that would keep our friends from coming to Jesus. May the Spirit help us be ready to speak to them the words that share the message of forgiveness, life, and salvation. May the Spirit help us determine that nothing will stop us from bringing our friends to Jesus and Jesus to our friends. God Bless you as you become a more determined, persistent witness that would glorify our Lord. <J><E><S><U><S>< <S><A><V><E><S>< |