Deliberations 2016 (9): Raise the Roof

‘Raising the roof’ often describes a superlative performance. Singers can ‘raise the roof’ with song. Gifted orators can 'raise the roof' with their speech, e.g. Dr. Martin Luther King’s unforgettable “I Have a Dream” speech*. The Bible gives another great example:

Jesus is staying at a house in Capernaum; 4 men bring their paralyzed friend to be healed; but can find no way to bring him to Jesus because of the crowds outside and inside; so they climb up on the house and raise the roof to let him through! (Luke 5:18-25)

Imagine the shock on the homeowner’s face as he sees his roof being raised, and a man being lowered through it…..Imagine the disbelief on the faces of the people in the house as they see a sick man on a pallet being strategically placed right in front of Jesus…….But imagine the determination of those 4 men in bringing their sick friend to Jesus…… And imagine their faith—their absolute certainty—that he would be healed.

Sometimes I wonder – was it compassion for the sick man’s condition, or was it the utter faith of his friends that touched Jesus to heal this man? I’m not sure, but perhaps this is the way we need to work to spread the gospel – with unwavering faith and determination—not allowing anything or anyone to stand in our way.

Like the 4 friends, let us use innovative ways to draw others. Jesus has asked that we go into the highways and byways and compel them to come. Won’t we ‘raise the roof’ in our efforts to bring others into His house – till it is filled and bursting? And then, if necessary, raise the roof to accommodate them till He comes!!

*I have a dream speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDWWy4CMhE