True Friend?

(Today's reading - Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2)

Leviticus tells us that God's blessings are conditional. He tells His people that "if" they are obedient, then good things; but if they are disobedient... bad things. The Bible is filled with "ifs". His love is not conditional (John 3:16), but His blessings are. This is reasonable! Do you reward your child for bad behavior? Of course not, that would just produce more bad behavior... it's the same with God.

So, what about friends? We all need them. We all want them. They are a blessing at all times. A true friend is there to celebrate when times are good and they are there to support you when times are tough. Take a moment to think about those people that you would consider "true friends". (write their names down on a piece of paper, more on that later... please, do it right now)

Our story in Mark 2 gives us a picture of amazing friendship...
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

Let's get the picture. Jesus has returned home, word has gotten around and crowds have gathered to listen to His words and see miracles performed. (no TV, so this was better than the last episode of Downton Abbey) The house is so crowded that people are standing outside the door just to catch a word or a glimpse. (on a side note, I wish this is what it looked like at churches on Sunday morning) Four friends of a paralyzed man bring him to see Jesus. They have heard the stories, maybe even seen Him in action. They believe that this Jesus can help their friend. So, they carry him through town to this little house at the end of the street with hope in their hearts.

When they arrive, they see that the house is filled to capacity and people are spilling out into the street. Now, some folks might say, "we tried, we carried him all the way there, but we couldn't get in to see him." That would seem to be enough for many, "I tried". But, these friends were not to be denied. They loved this man and nothing was going to stop them from introducing him to Jesus. They climb up onto the roof and cut an opening above Jesus. They lower their friend down through the opening and he meets the Savior. He meets Jesus!

Friends! Introducing their friend to the Great Physician was the only thing that could help him... and they knew it. Getting him in front of Jesus was the only thing that could enable him to walk... and they knew it. And because they knew it, nothing could stop them. Whatever it took... they were going to do it. Carry him across town, "let's get the trip started". Hoist him up to the roof, "put your backs into it boys". Dig a hole in ceiling, "who brought the shovels?". Lower him down in the room, "give me the rope". What ever it took, they were prepared for it.

Application... A true friend will be prepared to do whatever it takes to get their friend in front of Jesus. A true friend knows that He is the answer to the paralysis of this life and only He can fix what is wrong. A true friend is prepared to carry, to lift, to dig, to lower... to do anything and everything to get their friend in front of the Master.

So, back to that list you made earlier; take another look at it. Anyone on there that needs to meet the Savior? Are you a true friend that will move "Heaven and Earth" to make sure they get an appointment with the Doctor? Are you equipped with "whatever it takes" to get them there? I know this is a difficult lesson; it is difficult for me. Our friends are waiting for us to pick them up and get them to the One that can fix their broken lives and set them on their spiritual feet. What are you waiting for? What am I waiting for?