The crowd inside the house was packed tight. And now four hard-working, faith-filled, determined men had created a hole in the roof so as to lower their paralyzed friend into Jesus’ presence. These friends were certain that Jesus would heal their buddy.
They chose to act as if it were already true.
I have read this story countless times. (It’s what I do when I am writing Rotation lessons.) I even will find myself returning to the story, reading it again, after the lesson is complete. Why?
Because usually I discover a new insight.
And sure enough I did. Something occurred to me that I hadn’t previously considered.
When Jesus says to the lame man:
Get up, take your mat and go home.
What would have happened if the lame man hadn’t gotten up?
What if he was too afraid?
(He could fall flat on his face, and make a spectacle of himself!)
I had discovered another miracle in this story! The story that already contained several miracles — the industrious nature of the four friends, who overcame hardships to take a friend to Jesus, and the miracle of sins being forgiven and of course, the miracle of a previously paralyzed man able to walk! And now this miracle:
The lame man had to get up. He had to act as if the miracle were true.
Immediately the paralyzed man stood up. He took his mat and walked out. (Mark 2:12)
Acting on a truth is what is needed for it to actually become your truth.
What is stopping you? Can your faith be an instrument that helps someone “get to” Jesus?
What about your kids?
Act as if your child is a spiritual being. (Because we are all spiritual beings!)
Act as if your child is interested in talking about faith.
Act as if you will discover something new.
You need to be brave — to “act as if” — to take part in miracles – however big or small they may be.
Photo credits:
The lame man walks is a screenshot from a video posted by Bible Society Australia, who licensed their work under a Creative Commons (BY-NC 2.0) License.
Family Faith Companion 