….He was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.  And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
~ Mark 2: 2-3 (NASB)

The broken were drawn to Jesus, and gathered wherever He was staying.  The house was packed tight, standing room only, with those seeking healing, knowledge, and understanding.  His love and grace were evident! Some came out of curiosity, wondering what the commotion was. Who was this man everyone was talking about?  And Jesus didn’t let the multitudes down as He spoke truth and healed with the touch of His hand.  He was a miracle worker and the entire city gathered at His door!

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

Hearing about Jesus’ miraculous deeds, a few friends joined efforts on behalf of their paralyzed neighbor.  Determined to bring him to Jesus, they each took a corner of the pallet he was resting on. They lifted and carried him through the crowds and up a stairway, to the top of the house where Jesus was residing. They climbed the narrow heights for their friend. With bare hands they broke up and removed layers of hardened clay, and dug a hole in the roof.  They weren’t afraid to work and get dirty! Using great restraint, they carefully lowered him through the opening, and dropped him at Jesus’ feet. The barriers they encountered didn’t hinder their efforts.  They were stretcher-bearers, and sometimes they had to deal with a mess!  Friendship, loyalty, and love made all the difference…they were willing to bear his burden.

We each need friends who are willing to carry us, even when the way is narrow and steep, and takes great effort! And we need to be willing to stand by others and do the same.  Friendship requires we look beyond our own needs, see the hurts of others, and respond. It takes patience, restraint, and sacrifice to build trust.  The paralyzed man depended on his neighbors and knew they wouldn’t hurt him.  He had confidence they wouldn’t drop him and welcomed their help. They had proven themselves long before this day and he knew he could trust. Their friendship had been a shelter of safety!

Jesus sets an example of a stretcher-bearer.  Our lives should naturally draw others to Him as we express grace and unconditional love. Seeing hardened hearts and years of hurt, we help our friends peel back the layers and get to the core of their pain.  And we don’t give up when the day becomes difficult. We are called to speak His truth in love, and He will heal what is broken.

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NASB)

Jesus not only carried, He bended low and cleansed tired travelers.  He humbly served by kneeling down and washing His disciples’ feet. He didn’t flinch…and His touch made all the difference as He cleansed what was filthy. What does it mean to wash each other’s feet? And what will it look like some day? True friends don’t give up and walk away. They observe and listen, lift and carry, and go where it is hard. Loyal friends become stretcher-bearers with a purpose. They know where they are going and keep their eyes fixed on Christ.

Go forth this day choosing to be a loyal friend…a stretcher-bearer with a purpose!

Lily Mae