Friends

I often think back to my illness now, And call that time my blessing, anyhow. When pain was mine—God's presence came to me, Embodied in my friends for all to see.

What first comes to my memory's sight? My city Capernaum, shining bright. There I grew up and spent my youthful days, Until I fell to sickness in such ways.

I treasured all my friends so very much, When I lived quietly, in peaceful touch, There were five of us friends in all, And life brought me its happiness and call.

Our parents held us up as their great prize, They never spoke of friends in critical wise. The neighbors called us "The Five" with cheer, And fostered all our friendships good and dear.

Not one day passed without we'd meet, And in our company found joy complete. We loved each other—"thick as thieves," they'd say... But then one day affliction came my way.

My body ceased to answer to my will, I had to hide my ailment and be still, Each day I felt my strength begin to fade, And wondered why such suffering God made.

I will not speak much of this sickness dire, The hopelessness that made me want to cry, But what sustained me was my family near, And friends who never let me disappear.

This illness did not break our friendship's bond, I understood God's hand stretched out beyond— He'd sent these friends to help me in my pain, Though back to normal life we'd not return again.

I thought my friends were with me out of pity, (I won't deceive myself here—let me be gritty!) Now I'm ashamed of such a thought unkind, And ask forgiveness from each friend I find.

They didn't know the way to help me through, They didn't name the problem I'd gone through, For I could not move anything at all, Just whisper words—that was my only call.

I was so young—I did not seek out God, The path ahead seemed straight without a rod. But when my health began to fade away— My consciousness toward God began to sway.

My friends would go to synagogue each week, And often spoke of God when we would speak. I didn't like to be diverted so, I just wanted to enjoy life's flow.

They told me: "God will help you in your need, He heals all sickness—this I know indeed. We must believe and never doubt His might, God can perform a miracle in sight."

From friends I heard of Naaman's story, How God had healed him—all the glory: Seven times he dipped down in the river's flow— And leprosy departed from him, so.

From them I heard about the exodus, How God brought Israel out with power robust, How He divided the Red Sea in two, And drowned the Pharaoh's armies through and through.

How manna fell down from the sky above, How serpents on a pole showed God's love, How quail came flying with the wind so strong, And people ate meat all day long.

I listened to my friends' accounts with care, But did not heed the words they'd share, They gave their faith to help me understand And trust the Lord with my entire hand.

I must confess: I did not seek the synagogue, I did not pray—I was a stubborn rogue. Now I can see what God's great plan had been, He gave it to me through my friends again.

God's promises would strengthen up their trust, My friends did not forget me—they were just, They always spoke of miracles and wonders, That heaven's grace might pierce me like the thunders.

They spoke of how a prophet would arise From Nazareth—the source of joy and light, I was not alone within my sorrow— In friends I found Christ's grace for each tomorrow.

I listened, holding tight my very breath, My heart was breaking—I was close to death, But how could I believe that Jesus could Do all these things? Could He really should?

I couldn't move myself in any way, It seemed to me like dreams would have their say, And then they spoke of Jesus once again, That He was always ready to sustain.

I did not answer their continuing talk, I felt within me some internal shock. My friends exchanged looks among themselves, And turned to me with all their hearts' own shelves.

They said: "A Prophet has come to this town, Capernaum—a plan has worn our crown: We'll carry you to Him..." But how? I asked. I couldn't comprehend.

I was worn out from suffering and pain, Though young in years—chronically I'd lain. To my friends then I simply did concede, And found myself on a stretcher for my need.

The house was large with people wall to wall, I heard them praising God through the hall, My friends went seeking Jesus in that place, While I lay outside in my sad disgrace.

So many people walking all around, While my heart ached with sorrow at this sound— No one bent down or asked me what I need, Or even asked who set me there, indeed.

I couldn't believe that Jesus would consent To help me—or toward me His hand extend. Where did my friends get such a bold, strong faith? To act so daring—wasn't this their wraith?!

My friends said: "Through the door we cannot go, The crowds are pressing tight—we cannot show The way to carry you inside that place, We'll have to lift you to the upper space.

We'll go up through the roof and lower you down." I started then to worry and to frown: "But don't you think that this will be quite wrong? The house owner—won't he be strong

With anger at this? The Law will make him fine us, And punish us—what blindness covers us? What if he has an arrogant, proud heart? Won't he make us and you pay for this part?!"

But my friends worked the roof apart with care, Up the ladder went the stretcher through the air. From pain, I remember, I shut tight my eyes, And said no word to my friends' enterprise.

They made a big hole—tore the roof apart, And lowered down the stretcher with their art. No one reproached them—I was quite amazed, I never would have thought they'd be so crazed!

They lowered down the stretcher, oh so slow, And placed me right before Him down below. The crowd inside grew silent at this sight, Then Jesus spoke unto my friends so bright:

"I saw you tear the roof up from above, And act according to your faithful love. I see the goodness living in your hearts, For your dear friend you've played the boldest parts.

According to your faith I heal your friend, And bless you, O my friends, until the end. The world will know about this daring deed, And follow your example and your creed."

Then He looked down at me with eyes so kind, And told me that my friends I'd always find Had fought for me, and by their faithful prayer, He granted me forgiveness and His care:

"Rise up and take your bed and walk away, Now you will live a different, new way. I have forgiven all your sins complete, Come—your beloved friends you'll surely meet."

I walked out through the door and raised my sight, And hugged my friends with all my joy and might. By their own faith Jesus forgave my sin, And healed me of my sickness from within.

We stood together for a time so long, Not heeding Pharisees' reproachful song. I said no words unto my friends just then, In my heart I thanked the Lord's great name again!

Much talk arose about what had occurred, That miracles of God were being heard, And many, of course, remained in doubt, And did not bow to God—kept truth without.

That case then sobered up so many then, My testimony moved a lot of men, And some who later would remember still How my friends tore apart the roof with will.

So what do we see when Jesus saves us all? When He makes miracles both great and small? Do we look at the roof they had to break, Or criticize the risks that they did take?

Could God permit such damage to occur, To heal a man?—do we find any stir? Why tear? To tear is not the same as build, Can a person's worth be by such means filled?

God was examining each person's faith, I want you, friend, to understand this wraith: Without true faith it's hard to please God's heart, Without faith, you cannot even start.

So break the barriers between you and God, And those who trust, don't judge them harshly, odd— Whoever tears the roof apart for prayer Does so in faith, with genuine care.

Some fast each week in sorrow for their kin, And stand in breaches, letting faith begin. Another prays for children year by year, For spouse or husband—holding them so dear.

Who intercedes for wife or husband's soul— Each has their own path toward their goal. Don't fear in life to "tear the roof" in two— You must be courageous in all that you do.

Don't pay attention to what others say, Keep moving toward your goal along the way. Don't look around at barriers that block, When you prevail—all will unlock.

And Jesus Christ will also find delight When He beholds within you growth and light. So don't fear tearing up the roof above— This is the counsel that I give with love.

My friends, let's cherish friendship while we're here, And live by Christian faith both far and near. Let's climb together up to greater height, And tear the "roofs" apart for healing's light.