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. — Mark 2:4
Many years ago, I worked as a paramedic. I learned that there were always patients who needed help. There was one clear distinction between those patients, however. Some of them were in situations that they could try to help themselves, while others were in situations that they couldn’t.
Those situations could be brought about by major medical conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. Others could be because of an accident, like a car accident. Many of those who were unable to help themselves had a medical condition and they were stuck in a bed all the time.
In those situations, it took an extra effort from me and my team to make sure that we took care of that patient. They were fully depending upon us for treatment, and for every other aspect of their life while they were with us. It was a humbling experience to say the least.
I’m reminded of those times as I read this story that’s recorded in the gospels of the man with palsy. He was relying on four people to help him in his search for help. They could have simply dropped him off at the door when they found they were unable to get him to Jesus. Instead, they decided to go to the roof and lower him down.
So many times we have friends and family that often share their burdens with us and ask us to help them. Sometimes, it even goes as far as that they may need to be fully reliant on us to help them. It could even be a co-worker or someone in need on the street that we meet. Two questions come to mind when I think about that.
How serious are we when they ask us for our help? They are coming to us with their concern and cares, but are we truly paying attention, listening, and willing to help carry their load?
Even more than that, how far would we go to help them in their time of need? Are we willing to take the extra steps to do anything we can to get them to a source for help?
The model of these men with the man of the palsy is a role model for us. It’s a challenge to not just listen and say that we will help, but to actually give our help. And not just give help, but also go the extra mile for those around us in need.