The Great Healer

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 15, 16, 17

Matthew 15:29-31 (NIV)

29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking; the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV)

2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

Good morning!

Eyewitness accounts of extraordinary life events leave lasting images engraved upon our hearts and in our minds. The Gospel of Matthew unfolds with an eyewitness account of one who experienced the greatest miracles of all – forgiveness, healing and love through a relationship with Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Imagine with me, for just a moment, what Matthew saw as he watched Christ heal the crowd.

A young man, blinded from birth, was escorted by his parents to the place where Jesus sat on the hill overlooking the town of Gennesaret. They had sought help for their son for years, visiting every physician available to them; pursuing home remedies and trying every possible solution to restore even a little eyesight to their child. They hated that their son could not experience for himself the colors and hues of the world around him. He was unable to see the bright rays of the early morning as it rose across the valley. He could feel the rain falling on his face, but could not observe how the droplets formed mud puddles along the path in front of their home. He had no idea how beautiful the colors of a rainbow were, painted across the sky just after a summer storm. How they longed for their son to be made whole. What parent wouldn’t want their child to see for themselves the beauty of God’s magnificent creation?

They had heard about a man who had the power to restore sight to the blind. He was the talk of the town, and now Jesus had finally arrived. Knowing how their family had been shunned for years, the boy’s parents wondered what their neighbors would think if Jesus had mercy on their son. They had been the community’s conversation piece for years, as good, God-fearing folk speculated about which sin they had committed that left their son with a life sentence in total darkness. They were grateful the boy could not see the glaring looks of their neighbors, especially as they climbed up the hill to meet the Lord.

They were surrounded by thousands who were suffering from horrible, awful diseases. There were those who could not walk, who had to be carried up the hill on stretchers. There were little children with missing limbs, broken and bleeding sores covering their bodies. People were crying out for help as far as they could see. How could one man change the lives of so many? Only God could give such an amazing gift.

With eyes of faith, the parents looked into the eyes of the Lord and saw what their child knew to be true in his heart: they were looking into the very eyes of God. In hushed awe, they watched as their prayers were answered in full. With one touch, one look, and one holy Word, their son could see. He could see! He could see clearly! Everything they had longed for became a reality as they gazed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, face to face.

The lame were dancing; and the deaf could hear the praises of all. New arms and legs were replacing bruised and bloody stubs. Sores were fading away; tumors were disappearing. One by one, each and every person who came by faith was healed that day on the mountain side. The praises and worship of those who were touched, continued on into the late night hours. No one wanted to leave Jesus. They held on to His every Word. As they looked at their Lord, they saw their salvation, and worshipped God out of overflowing, grateful hearts.

Matthew wrote this eyewitness account, understanding full well what the face of God can do in the life of lost soul. Just as Jesus saved and healed his life, Matthew observed how Jesus reached out to all people, everywhere. He loves them with a purpose and passion; just like He loves you and me.

How far would you reach to bring your child healing and wholeness? God Almighty reached even further to save His children from eternal separation and pain, by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to heal all of us, once and for all. Won’t you join me in the presence of the Savior who can heal your life today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: healing! By prayer, we bring those we love to His holy mountain, where Jesus Christ waits to forgive our sins, heal our hearts, and love us forever. We have a good reason to celebrate His love today. Won’t you come right now and receive your healing at the foot of the cross?

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

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