ARE YOU CONCERNED ENOUGH TO HELP?
Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (Mark 2:3,4)
While Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was autographing copies of his first book, "STRIDE FOR FREEDOM," in a Harlem department store, he was attacked and stabbed by a crazed woman who plunged a letter opener into his chest. I recently viewed a picture of Dr. King with the 7 inch letter opener embedded in his chest with 3 individuals around him as they ministered to him. His attacker, Izola Ware Curry, was apprehended. This experience took place in May, 1958. Of course, the quick response of those around him helped save his life. He was taken to the hospital and surgery began expediently. The surgeon had to cut away two of his ribs in order to take out the letter opener. His doctor allegedly stated later that if he had as much as coughed, he probably would have died. We are all glad that he did not cough.
In the passage above, 4 men took it upon themselves to carry someone who was paralyzed to meet Jesus. First of all, they were concerned enough to want him to be helped. Secondly, they had faith that Jesus could, and would help the man. Thirdly, they put their faith into action by carrying him to the top of a roof and lowering him down. Fourthly, they did not let the difficult circumstances hinder them from taking action. Fifthly, they worked together. Finally, they dared to do something different in order to help him.
Are we concerned enough to go out of our way to help someone else in need? Do we believe that God will bless our efforts when we attempt to help others? Will we try to help even if it cost us something? Or, will we turn away and say that what they need is more than we can do? As Christians, are we willing to work with others when we see a need?
I am so glad that Dr. King had others around him the day that he was stabbed. They helped to save his life. We can also help others in a less dramatic way. There are youth who need male and female mentors. There are elderly persons who need help getting to the doctors office. There are individuals who are depressed and just want someone to call and talk to them. Of course there are many others with all kinds of problems as well. The question for us is, ARE WE CONCERNED ENOUGH TO HELP?
