Hope for Healing

The first Advent of Jesus was meant to do God's work in restoring the relationship between The Creator and His Creation. The fullness of that restoration will come with Christ's second Advent. But at His first advent Jesus walked among the crowds and showed them God's heart for them. He did this by providing for their needs as we discussed yesterday, but He also healed disease and infirmities.

Our hope for healing is in being restored to God. Healing can come only in a small part here in this world. Let's take a look at Jesus' healings. He healed people who were not believers as well as some who had believing friends. He had a heart full of compassion for every person. Jesus healed fevers, blind eyes, withered limbs, leprosy, and even brought people back to life! He saw their suffering. He knew if it was caused by their own sin or just by living in a sinful world. He chose to heal according to His justice. His justice for sin must be meted out, but it always carries His compassion and mercy with it. Along with our just punishments, we can find grace and mercy when we turn to Jesus.

I like to imagine what it would be like to be someone who was touched by Jesus and my body restored to fulness. Would I turn away from Him? Some did. Would I have a change of heart along with my healing? Would that heart change draw me close to God and keep me there? Or would I eventually forget the healing.? I wonder.

Jesus, Your heart is overflowing with grace for us sinners. You heal in part now, but someday we will know your total and eternal healing. Forgive me when I forget Your justice and become angry at You for choosing how and when I am to be healed. Give me Your heart of compassion for those who are hurting. Teach me how to minister to the needs of those around me like You did. I choose to surrender to Your choice for me in sickness and in health.