"And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
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 the palsy lay.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."
Mark 2:3-5
What strikes me today about this is that Jesus saw "their" faith, as a group. In other healing situations he asks if people believe, or tells them that their faith has played a part, helping us to understand that faith is part of the process, and that we can't just passively wait for God to change us. We have to be believing in, and willingly participating in the change. This goes further and helps us to understand our power as united believers. The power of the faith of many, working together... the power of prayer, not just one voice, but many united in faith and action. These friends of the sick man were also part of the process, their physical actions to get their friend there AND their belief that Jesus was the answer and the cure were both integral to the process.
The other awesome thing I noticed especially is that Christ healed him spiritually first, and as they discuss later, this was the more important healing. In the verses that follow, the man is also physically healed (verses 9-11), but this group faith helps in spiritual as well as physical ways. Not against the will of God, of course... God is the core part of the process. Faith moves mountains, but it happens through the willing participation of God. It can't do anything without that partnership of us and God together.
Today, let's apply our individual and our group faith to things that matter, and that will make things better. Let's talk to God, and consider the spiritual needs as well as the physical needs of those we serve and help. Let's pray for help, strength, and even for miracles, always remembering to allow room for the Lord's will to be done rather than our own. Faith involves God, and welcomes all, and it can make a difference in the world, as we work together for good. :)
