"The Paradise Man"

One thing i really love is when my kids show their love for God's word. They often like to share their memory verses from school or church or, sometimes, share a new Bible story they recently discovered. Or, if it's Elijah, sometimes he likes to present exegesis on the book of revelation.

Well, this morning, Frankie was all excited about a new Bible story she heard in her class at school. She said, "Hey Dad, did you every hear the story about 'the paradise man'?" And, i had to admit, that must have been a story i skipped over in my Bible studies.

Now, for a moment, i thought she was referring to the story of the thief on the cross next to Jesus whom Jesus told, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

But before i could say anything, she proceeded to lay out the story, "You see, there was this man -- this paradise man -- and he had some good friends who wanted to help him. So, his friends put him on a mat and lowered him through a roof so Jesus could heal him..."

A big smile filled my face as soon as i got what she was saying, "Oh, Frankie, i know that story. It's one of my favorites! However, i think he was called 'the paralyzed man' not the paradise man."

bill