February 8, 2015
Sunday

“And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:34-35

I often hear people ask the question, “Why did Jesus heal so many in the bible, and so many today are not healed?” I think this is a legitimate question. Often we hear that someone is miraculously healed, and the thought crosses our mind “Why didn’t G*d heal my mother, daughter, sister, brother, etc?” If we look at a strict reading of the lesson above, notice that it does not say that Jesus healed all of those who were sick – but he did heal many. In practical matters, there would be no way that Jesus could heal everyone who came to see him. We have just a few healings that are mentioned in the bible to give us the confidence that Jesus was able to heal. We even have an example where Jesus needed to do some “healing” twice on a man who was born blind. We also have the example of Jesus’ inability to heal many in his home town because of their “lack of faith”. And yet, it would not be practical for Jesus to heal everyone with a disease or infirmity because there would not have been time for him to do anything else. And, physically and emotionally, it would have taken a tremendous toll on Jesus – even though he was the Son of G*d. And it did take a physical and emotional toll. This is why he went away to a deserted place to pray – it was his way of getting away from the people so he could find strength and solace from his Father.

Today, Jesus continues to heal. There are healings that come through divine intervention – and through human interaction including the medical arts and sciences. And still today, not all people are healed. In Jesus’ time, it just would not have been possible for him to physically meet and touch everyone with a disease. Today, it is a matter of practicality – is it possible to live in a society where no one dies of disease, disaster, accident or injury? That is what heaven will be like – does this earth look like heaven? But just because there continues to be disease, illness and death in this world, does not mean divine intention does not play out through healings and miracles. We never want to see our loved ones die – either from old age or from accident or disease. And yet, not everyone is going to live for ever – it is not practical, it is not part of G*d’s plans for everyone to live to the same age, with the same health, and with the same protection.

But G*d does promise us eternal life – as well as “new life” right now. And Jesus did not come to earth just to be a “miracle man”. Jesus came to proclaim that the kingdom of G*d had come to earth – that the veil between G*d and man was finally ripped apart. So new life was important for many, but the chance for eternal life – priceless. And that should enable us to use our time on this earth following Jesus’ example: to seek to be a healing presence in people’s lives, to love unconditionally, and to find time to pray.

Pastor Dave