Send us Fan Mail Hello and welcome to Spiritual Warriors, the Caregivers. This is Episode 18 in our series on Spiritual Warfare. If you are a caregiver, you are a spiritual warrior. We want to encourage you in your walk with God and remind you that He is with you, for He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13. Verse 5, part b. My name is Dr. Stephanie Wright, and today’s episode is about four caregivers who sacrificed for one man. It is entitled “Through the Roof.” Our scripture reading is from Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:18-20. The scripture begins by telling us that Jesus returned to Capernaum and was in a house. Mark 2:1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. Capernaum was a city known as Jesus’ and his disciples' home base. It is believed that Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew lived or worked near Capernaum. So, when Jesus returned to Capernaum that day, everyone was talking about it. Scripture doesn’t say whose house Jesus was in, but Jesus was known to have spent time at Peter’s mother’s home, where he healed her of a fever (Matthew 8:14-15). Nevertheless, we do know that whoever owned the house had so many people gathered inside that no one else could enter. Mark 2: 2 reads And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. It seems that Jesus would want a break now that he was back at headquarters, but that is not the case here; Jesus was there teaching in the midst of Pharisees, doctors, and common people. Luke 5:17 reads: And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. On the outside of that house were four men who had a friend who was paralyzed. Mark 2:3. This paralysis likely afflicted their friend so that he could not move his body. He was totally dependent on them for help. We don’t know anything else about the man, but anyone who has cared for someone with this debilitating disease knows how demanding a job it is. Perhaps these four friends shared the daily responsibilities of caring for him: getting him up in the morning, washing him, dressing him, feeding him, and tending to his most challenging needs. All things that most people take for granted. But his friends did not want to see him continuing his life in this condition. So, when they heard that Jesus was coming back to town, they determined that they would take their friend to see Jesus. Jesus was known to have healed others; why not their friend? Their next steps would show how determined they were to see his suffering end. So, they went to the house where Jesus was teaching. They were met with a mass of people inside, so much so that they could not get through with their friend on his bed or what we would consider a stretcher. (Luke 5:18, Matthew 9:2). So, they devised a plan to get inside another way. They picked him up and proceeded to the rooftop. Houses in that day had stairs alongside that led to the roof. Then, without hesitation, they made their own “door” by ripping off the roof and making an opening large enough to lower their friend on his bed into the presence of the one who would heal him. Mark 2:4 reads: And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. These friends did not let an obstacle block their path to a miracle. They could have given up and said, "Maybe it’s not the right time," but they didn’t. Their steadfast love for their friend wouldn't let them take “no” for an answer. Mark 2:5, 11-12: 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. And so, we have four caregivers who could not heal the paralyzed friend, but they did carry him to the One who did heal him. Let me close by reminding all of us that, whether we realize it or not, we are caregivers of souls. If you know someone who does not know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they need your prayers to deliver them from the debilitating bondage of sin unto salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us today. We hope that this series will be a blessing to you, especially because you are a caregiver. Now stay tuned for Dr. Apostle Charles, as he tells you how you may contact us and listen to past podcasts on spiritual warfare, fasting, prayer, and other topics. Until next time. If you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website and select www.cgmissions.com/podcasts, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see some video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website: https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here-general-and-wecare/
