Mark 2
The Paralytic Healed
1 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 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. 3 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to [a]get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof [b]above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “[c]Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins [d]but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, aware [e]in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He *said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
These scriptures give some wonderful insight into intercession. Here is a paralytic who couldn’t do anything for himself, but there were four men who believed if they could just bring this man into the presence of Christ he would be healed. Verse 5 says that Jesus saw their faith, and in response to their faith the man was healed. All of us have people we know who are paralyzed emotionally and spiritually, who can’t believe for themselves. We know that only Christ can heal them, but for whatever reason they refuse, or just seem to not be able to get into the presence of Christ so He can heal them. In those situations, I believe that we can bring them into His presence through intercession, and in response to our faith for them Christ can heal them. It may involve hard work as we by faith are determined to bring them before Christ, because we are convinced in His ability, and willingness to heal them. There may be setbacks in the warfare, because the enemy wants them to stay in bondage, but there must be a determination in our faith, that will keep them before Him, believing for their healing. Don’t bring them before Him in hope. Bring them before Him in daring, risking taking, kingdom invoking, Devil defeating, miracle releasing Faith. Have a Great day participating in His life.
Bow down Thine ear, almighty Lord,
And hear Thy Church’s suppliant cry
For all who preach Thy saving Word,
And wait upon Thy ministry.
In mercy, Father, now give heed,
And pour Thy quickening Spirit’s breath
On those Whom Thou hast called to feed
Thy flock redeemed by Jesus’ death.
O Savior, from Thy piercèd hand
Shed o’er them all Thy gifts divine;
That those who in Thy presence stand
May do Thy will with love like Thine.
Blest Spirit, in their hearts abide,
And give them grace to watch and pray;
That, as they seek Thy flock to guide,
Themselves may keep the narrow way.
O God, Thy strength and mercy send
To shield them in their strife with sin;
Grant them, enduring to the end,
The crown of life at last to win.