So Close And Yet So Far

So Close and Yet So Far
By Pastor Todd Crofford
 
Clay was only about 5 years old when I took him to his first small-town baseball game. Though the game was starting, he was most interested in getting cotton candy.  When we finally got to our seats, the big furry mascot scared him so much that we soon had to leave.  We drove all the way to the ballpark and saw no baseball. 
 
Luke 5 tells the story of a paralyzed man who had to be let down through the roof in order to get close to Jesus.  All the effort proved to be worth it because he received both healing and forgiveness of sin. Meanwhile, the Pharisees, who had the best seats in the house, completely missed out.  Their hearts were so hard that even when they saw the miracle they refused to believe Jesus was the one who could forgive their sins. They were in high-dollar seats in the ballpark and still missed the ballgame completely.
 
We might be baffled that they could be so close to Jesus and miss it.  It’s more important that we be warned. How easy it is to come to church, hear the preaching of Truth and see the work of God,  but remain unfazed. Box seats- no baseball.
 
If you have been blessed to see the work of God, have you responded to the work of God?  Don’t be like the Pharisees.  Receive the good gift of forgiveness and salvation from Jesus.