Have you ever known something so valuable it would be worth breaking through a roof for? Some of you may be imagining a scene from a movie of a great jewel heist that has led to the pinnacle of the story line (after much planning, danger and drama) to arrive at the moment when the thieves have put their lives at risk and finally succeeded in surpassing all security officers, cameras and obstacles to find themselves face to face with the most priceless diamond on the face of the earth.
I’m sure we have all seen movies like this and have sat on the edge of our seats in anticipation to see if the thieves are caught in the act, or if they get away with their crime. In most cases, after all their efforts, they are caught and incarcerated, and when this happens, we’re usually glad to see justice carried out.
A break in of a different kind
Mark chapter two tells us about some men who broke in through a roof to get access to the most important gem ever to have been placed on this earth. On hearing that Jesus, the son of God, had returned home to Capernaum, four men carried their paralysed friend on a stretcher to where he was. They were convinced that Jesus could heal him, but when they arrived at the house where Jesus was preaching, the crowds surrounding the doors and windows were beyond infiltration.
In true ‘mission impossible’ style, these men were not deterred. As the old saying goes, where there’s a will there’s a way! Making their way to the roof, the four men dug through the roof until there was a hole large enough to lower the mat the man was lying on, down into the room with Jesus.
Impressive determination
I’m sure in this moment, Jesus was very impressed by these actions. I can imagine a smirk coming across his face as he observed the efforts these men had taken to get to what they knew was a sure thing. They believed without doubt that Jesus could heal their friend and acted in full confidence of their faith.
Mark chapter 2 verse 5 says: ‘When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”’ Then in verses 11-12: “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”’
Just what they expected
Though everyone else was amazed, it seems this is exactly what these four men expected to happen, otherwise they would not have gone to the trouble. The faith of these men was impressive to Jesus, and so they were rewarded, and the glory of God was seen by all.
They knew who Jesus was and so they believed. The Bible tells us that: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew chapter 13 verses 44-45)
A treasure beyond treasures
Just as the four friends knew who Jesus was and what he was capable of, reading the Word of God helps us also to understand who God is, how much he loves us and how great His power is, and this living Word of God is the greatest treasure on earth. Unfortunately, in an age where it has never been easier for Westerners to have access to a Bible, whether in book form or on a Bible App, it can often be taken for granted that the Bible is so accessible to us, and yet, throughout the ages, many people have laid down their lives for it.
If you haven’t read your Bible recently, I encourage you to dust off its cover and delve, soak and absorb yourself into this Living Word, drawing from it every understanding and revelation God gives you as the Holy Spirit begins changing your life.
‘I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.’ (Isaiah chapter 45 verse 3)
Rebecca and her husband have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca writes for various publications including print, online and commercial. She is the author of two books: ‘First to Forty’ and ‘Pizza and Choir’. For more information you can find Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccamoore.life, Facebook: Rebecca Moore - Author, Instagram: rebeccamoore_author
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html
