Obstacles on your path

Some men came carrying a paralysed man on a bed, and they tried to carry him into the house and put him in front of Jesus. Because of the crowd, however, they could find no way to take him in. So they carried him up onto the roof, made an opening in the tiles, and let him down on his bed into the middle of the group in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, ‘Your sins are forgiven, my friend.’ (verses 18-20)

Read Luke 5: 12-26

You’re not far into the gospel of Luke, and already the Pharisees are out to get Jesus. In fact, it’s a large contingent that has come ‘from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem’. Were these churchmen the ones obstructing the physical path to Jesus, causing the friends of the paralysed man to be more creative and dramatic in finding a way to Jesus?

Regrettably, there are times when the ‘outward’ form of the church can prevent you from getting to Jesus. Truly. People with personality disorders. Leaders more concerned about the outward structure of the church than the invisible nature of faith. So many things or people can obstruct your view of and contact with Jesus.

Be creative. Find ways around the obstacles. Find a way to the heart of Jesus, where you will find forgiveness and will walk in freedom. He’s there for you in God’s word and in holy communion.

Lord, help me to get around the obstacles that prevent me from seeing you. Point them out to me, because sometimes I’m blind to them. Clear my vision. I need to see you, only you­ clearly. Amen.

by Alicia Simpfendorfer, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)

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