¹ After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. ² So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them. ³ Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. ⁴ They couldn’t carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!” (Mark 2:1-5, CEB)

There are times when our own ego and our sense of “propriety” may need to get thrown aside. There may be times when the need is so great and the answer is so near, we may just want to throw a bit of caution to the wind and ask boldly.

These men had a friend in need and they had a deep sense in their hearts that this man Jesus was the One who could meet the need. The man was paralyzed, yet they had the deep sense that if they could get him to Jesus it would be just fine. Not finding a good way in, they took to the roof (which was accessible in those days) and began making a hole. (Roofs were much more accessible and a little too easy to tear into for our safety conscious society today.)

But no one else was tearing off the roof. It may have been an easy access, but these were the only men doing it. Hopefully they gave regard for how to fix it when they were done, but that was not primary to their task at the moment. They set aside propriety to get their friend to the One who could do something.

We all have times when the needs are great and we really need to find a way to get into the presence of God and let him know this is serious. We don’t have to tear any roofs apart. We are allowed to go boldly to the thrown.

But that still may call for us to set aside our reputations to a certain extent. We may sense a need to pray in a way that just doesn’t seem… proper. Or, we may need to pray longer. There used to be a phrase in Pentecostal circles: tarry at the altar.

We have schedules today. Why would we tarry anywhere?

Well… how great is the need?

Giving up things for Lent isn’t just about food or TV or the internet. It is about other issues that hinder our walk with God. Our reputations may be a hindrance from time to time. We need to lay it down and come before the Lord… humbly.

NOTE: Don’t forget to comment on my posts during Lenten season. I am giving away a free copy of the Common English Bible every week if I get enough comments on these posts!