Nougat 27

Accompaniment isn’t only talk talk. It also is about making self available. It is a covenant of sorts; not as permanent as wedding vows, but binding, and equally important. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat, which lifts up a critical aspect of Accompaniment

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum … the news spread quickly … . Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors … . While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Tech Support

We don’t know the identity of the paralyzed, nor do we hear much about his character. How he became paralytic – we don’t know. It could be from birth, or the result of an accident or something else; we don’t know. What we do know is that he has some friends who were not only faith-filled, but were also committed to his wellness and well-being.

How long did it take them to discern that Jesus was the solution for their paralyzed friend? Were they the ones to generate the idea, or was it the paralytic’s suggestion? From what distance did they take him? What was their total expectation? Those questions are not answered in Scripture, but the essential question and challenge is present: ’How far would we go in accompanying a friend in need?’

Initially I imagined that the paralytic was heavy. But, if he was in a litter/on a mat, he would require four people to carry him at a minimum. That is the basic requirement for balance both for him and them. What was heavier though, was taking on the responsibility of bringing the paralytic to Jesus. Regardless of whose idea it was, each of the four had to accept the idea and agree to work in tandem.

They understood the assignment; and came through. Whether they were initially discouraged by the breadth of the crowd or not we do not know. What we do know is that that obstacle did not deter them. Their mission was to get their friend’s healing by a direct intervention from Jesus.

And they got him there

What are the obstacles we face in our journeys of accompanying others? Do we have a ‘dream team’ with whom we work? In taking the paralytic family or friend to Jesus, will we persevere until something happens? How willing are we to offer tech support for others in need (through prayer, fasting, cash, kind, or other forms of support)?

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ