The Call to Action
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this journey of understanding and action, open our hearts to Your Word. May the Holy Spirit guide us to see the needs around us and inspire us to move from being moved to moving. Amen.
"When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat right down in front of Jesus."
REFLECT:
In this passage, we see a powerful example of faith and determination. The four friends of the paralyzed man were not deterred by the obstacles they faced. Their love and commitment to their friend drove them to take extraordinary measures to bring him to Jesus. This story illustrates the importance of community and the lengths we should go to help those in need. Pastor Hutchison highlighted the foster care crisis, urging us to be like these friends—willing to get our hands dirty and engage in the messiness of life to bring hope and healing to others.
Theologically, this passage underscores the power of faith in action. The friends' belief in Jesus' ability to heal was so strong that they were willing to disrupt a gathering and dismantle a roof. This act of faith was not just about belief but about taking tangible steps to make a difference. In our lives, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and take bold actions to help others, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
Historically, the act of digging through a roof in ancient times would have been a significant and disruptive endeavor. Roofs were made of mud and straw, and breaking through would have created quite a scene. Yet, this did not deter the friends, showing us that sometimes, helping others requires us to break through societal norms and expectations.
As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that our faith should compel us to act. Whether it's helping a friend in need or addressing larger societal issues like the foster care crisis, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. This means being willing to engage in the messiness of life and take risks for the sake of others.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pick one way to be a part of God's solution to the foster care crisis in our community. Pastor Hutchison offered everyone the opportunity to come to a meeting or a training on October 13 at 6pm to learn more about how you can get involved to make a difference. Find out more by going to pathwaychurch.com/fostercare
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the example of the four friends who showed us what it means to act in faith. Help us to be bold and courageous in our actions, willing to step into the messiness of life to bring Your love to others. Guide us as we seek to be part of the solution in our communities. Amen.