Devotional Day 4

I hate asking for help.  I would rather have dental work than call someone and ask for assistance.  Call it pride, call it stubbornness, call it stupidity – all those things are probably true – but it is a problem for me, nonetheless.  I really love helping others, but when the tables are turned, it makes me uncomfortable.

 

It takes humility to accept help from another.  But it also allows someone else the blessing of being selfless, of serving another, and of being the hands and feet of Jesus.  

 

I have a friend who once came upon an injured dog on a busy street.  Although the dog did not belong to her, she tried to get the dog to safety and capable medical help, but the dog refused to allow her to help.  His bark and growls discouraged her from picking him up.  She finally called animal control for instructions and waited for them to arrive.  

 

Sometimes, I am afraid that my own insecurities, brokenness, and emotional injuries stop me from asking for help.  I am much like that injured pooch, unable to see kindness and a desire to help for what they are – the love of God through another person.

 

Please read Luke 5:17-26.

 

The crippled man in Luke 5 has some incredible friends.  Maybe he asked for help, maybe they just took the initiative, but either way, the man has a plan AND a clan.   His “mat mates” were committed to getting this man healed!

 

They were strong – they carry this grown man on a mat to see Jesus.  

They were tenacious – when they cannot get close enough (this was way before handicapped parking), they made a hole in the roof to lower the man down. 

They were bold – they place him right in front of Jesus, in the middle of the crowd.

But it is not these attributes that Jesus most admires.

• Read Luke 5:20 again.  For what are they commended?  
  
• What “healing” happens to the man first?
  
• What three things does Jesus command him to do?
  
• How quickly was he able to do so?
  
• Do we read any more about his friends in Luke 5?  
  
• How does Jesus treat those in this account?
  
  Crippled man –
  
  Friends  –
  
  
• Religious leaders – 
  
• What does this story tell us about the character of God?
  
• Sometimes, it is those closest to us that need the most support.   Take a few minutes and pray for your spouse that God would heal them.
  
• What can you glean from how Jesus interacted with the crippled man and his friends to help you love and serve your spouse better?