August 31, 2010  |  Mark 2:5

READ
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

EXAMINE
Three main things to dwell on. (1) Whether or not the man could walk is a secondary issue.  The issue that Jesus first addresses, and the issue of eternal consequence, is whether or not our sins are forgiven through faith in Christ. (2) Jesus responds to faith. Faith is what is desired from us. We should love Him so much that we trust Him completely. (3) The text says "their faith," and I think that is signigicant. God calls us to live in community and trust Him collectively.  It is a powerful thing to trust Him with others.

APPLY
In response...(1) In light of Mark 2:5 and 2:17, there is not a thing more important than one's eternal destiny.  In light of Joe's message from Sunday, it is of the upmost importance to be used of God to lead others to Jesus. (2) Leading in this way can be challenging and fearful, but Jesus responds to faith.  When we our willing to be used and step up to the plate, Jesus responds and gives us grace to carry on. (3) Who am I trusting God with?  Trusting God with my fellow Mountain Trail Guides that God is going to show up and do something in the lives of children and families.

PRAY
Father, your word has testimony after testimony of you responding to the faith of your people.  Though sharing you with others might seem "risky" in this world, the true risk is not sharing you at all and being disobedient to your call.  May your name and renown truly be the desire of my heart, and may you respond to me with sustaining grace as I respond to you through faith.