By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.”
Luke 5:18-20 (MSG)
Imagine the classified ad: “Help Wanted: Stretcher Bearers. Individuals needed to help carry someone who cannot carry himself. Job requirements include a good sense of balance and a strong back. Patience and compassion are a must. The desired candidates will display creativity in problem solving. No salary is offered, but the benefits are priceless.”
The men in this portion of Scripture demonstrate great characteristics of being a Stretcher Bearer:
- They recognized the man could not help himself.
- They interrupted their own activities and got involved.
- They physically carried the paralyzed man.
- They encountered a big obstacle when they got to their destination…a huge crowd blocked their access to Jesus.
- They got creative. Carrying the man up the likely stairs (how precarious that must have been!), they made an opening in the roof over the spot where Jesus was.
- They worked together as a team to lower their friend through the roof.
Most of us will need a Stretcher Bearer at some point in our lives. My friend, Karen, described Stretcher Bearers that came to her aid when her husband John was nearly killed in a car accident. Karen was five months pregnant with their second child when John was taken by Flight for Life with serious injuries. Stretcher Bearers drove Karen to the trauma hospital an hour away, made meals, babysat her daughter, sat with her in the hospital, decorated their Christmas tree, wrapped her Christmas gifts, cleaned up after their four dogs, did laundry, grocery shopped, and ran an endless number of other errands. Her Stretcher Bearers continued their work for weeks, taking John to rehabilitation appointments, and later, caring for Karen and the new baby. Just as the paralyzed man’s Stretcher Bearers took him to Jesus, Karen’s Stretcher Bearers brought her closer to Jesus as well.
Today, John is fully recovered with only a slight limp when he tires. Baby Xander is an active toddler. And Karen shares her stories of the miracles performed in this crisis, giving praise to God and His provision for her through His people.
Being a Stretcher Bearer may not be a glamorous job, but witnessing a miracle is a priceless benefit!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time when you have needed a Stretcher Bearer. Send a note of appreciation.
2. Is there someone whose burden you can help to carry for a while?
FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10
Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
