In a heartfelt sermon delivered by Pastor Jason Ritchie, a former missionary to Mongolia, spoke to the congregation about the vital role of partnership in missions. Reflecting on Luke 5:17-26, he emphasized the beauty of working together to bring others to Christ. Through the story of a paralyzed man and his faithful friends, Pastor Ritchie illustrated how synergy in God’s work can lead to supernatural outcomes. This message challenges us to consider our place in missions, to unite in purpose, and to trust in the forgiving Saviour who transforms lives.
The Forgotten Men
The narrative in Luke 5:17-26 begins with a man afflicted with palsy, a condition that left him paralyzed and helpless, lying on a couch, unable to care for himself. Pastor Ritchie drew a parallel between this man and the countless forgotten individuals in our world today, people who are overlooked, isolated, and without hope. As Ephesians 2:1-3 (KJV) states, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Just as the paralyzed man was powerless to change his condition, so too are those without Christ, spiritually dead and in need of someone to bring them to the Saviour. Pastor Ritchie urged the congregation to remember these forgotten men, women, boys, and girls, both in our communities and across the globe, who desperately need the hope of the gospel.
The Faithful Friends
The story takes a hopeful turn with the introduction of four faithful friends who refused to let obstacles prevent them from bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Pastor Ritchie highlighted their synergy, a powerful principle where the combined efforts of a group produce results greater than the sum of individual contributions. These friends demonstrated unity by putting aside differences, pushing through physical barriers like the crowded house, and persevering despite potential criticism from religious leaders. As 1 Corinthians 3:9 (KJV) declares, “For we are labourers together with God,” emphasizing the importance of partnership in God’s work. Pastor Ritchie challenged the congregation to emulate these friends by setting aside personal agendas, overcoming obstacles, and persisting in faith to bring others to Christ. He reminded us that true friends point others to Jesus, recognizing that the world’s greatest need is spiritual, not social, economic, or political.
The Forgiving Saviour
At the heart of the story is Jesus, the forgiving Saviour, who saw beyond the man’s physical ailment to his deeper spiritual need. When the man was lowered through the roof, Jesus declared, “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20, KJV), addressing his eternal destiny before healing his body. Pastor Ritchie emphasized that Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10, KJV), a mission that continues through His church today. The Saviour not only pardoned the man’s sins but also purposed his life, enabling him to rise, take up his bed, and glorify God. This transformation illustrates Christ’s desire to forgive, restore, and give new purpose to every life. Pastor Ritchie encouraged those who have not yet trusted Christ to recognize that they are not forgotten by Him, and for believers, to share their testimonies and live for His glory.
Conclusion
As Pastor Ritchie concluded, he called the congregation to embrace the partnership of missions, to be faithful friends who bring the forgotten to Jesus. The paralyzed man’s couch of confinement became a trophy of grace, a reminder that God can transform any life for His glory. Whether by putting aside differences, pushing past obstacles, or persisting in faith, every believer has a role in this divine synergy. Pastor Ritchie urged the church to get off the bench and into the game, partnering with the Lord and one another to see great and mighty things accomplished for His kingdom. As we reflect on this message, may we commit to being faithful stewards, trusting in the forgiving Saviour to work through us to reach a world in need.
