From Above

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’Mark 2:1-12

Yesterday afternoon I drove from Helena to Camp Marshall, just north of Polson. It was a magnificent drive, through some incredible mountain passes and with each turn, the view was more magnificent. The mountains scenes and the verdant valleys took my breath away. I am at Camp to serve as chaplain for family camp but I know I will be touched and changed by this time. I have the opportunity to change my perspective, to see the world from above for a bit, and I cherish this time at camp with these people.

The friends of a lame man were out of options because of the crowd which pressed in on Jesus. Many were hoping for miracles and some were trying to catch him at some form of trickery. The crowd was not all friendly but the ones who came with the lame man were determined for their friend to see Jesus. They took the high route, cutting through the roof. Their love and faith brought God incarnate face to face with their crippled friend. Their love brought him to the place where he could get up and walk on his own after this encounter. We are invited today to seek the higher road, the view from above, the incarnate God who is waiting for us now.

Today I ask God to help me see with the eyes of compassion and love. May we not be restricted by the present limitations we face, but rather, seek the Creator in the midst of his creation, despite the obstacles and challenges in our path.