Today’s Reading: John 5:14-15(NIV)
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)
Good day!
Last night when I came home from work, I sat down on the sofa in our living room and listened intently to a woman being interviewed on television. She told a story of the miraculous healing she received from stage 3 colon cancer five years ago. During a biopsy procedure, she told about how she saw her Lord sitting at her side on the operating table just before they put her to sleep. The last thing she remembered was holding onto His robe and crying out the name, Jesus.
The invalid whom Jesus healed at the pool of
Isn’t it interesting Jesus chose to heal the man’s physical infirmities first, and then instructed him to stop sinning. I think we get that part backwards in our minds and in our churches. Many believe we have to stop sinning first before we can come to the Lord in faith. It’s not true! Christ died for us while we were yet sinning, and that proves His love toward us. That’s why there are NO perfect people in church. It’s really okay to show up there; we’re all in good company. We meet Jesus at our most desperate need, sometimes lost in the pit of our own making. We meet Jesus on hospital gurneys as we wait, terrified, for the testing to begin. We wonder if the results will lead us to death or new life. I meet Jesus when I least expect Him to be there. He is the only One I know who has picture perfect timing. He meets my need before I ask. He is right here with me now, and He is also with you.
As the body of Christ, we need to embrace the concept of radical hospitality. Learning to love others unconditionally and without reservation is a Christ-like quality. We may not always understand the person sitting next to us in church. We may not know them well, but God knows them intimately. He knows our neighbors, our cranky relatives, and He knows the condition of our hearts! Christ wants all to receive forgiveness and restoration for our bodies and souls. When we recognize that our need is so much greater than our temporary circumstance, we begin to understand the importance of knowing who Jesus is.
If you are looking for healing today, Jesus is the only name you need to know. Cry out to Him. He offers healing and wholeness to all who believe. Turn away from the sins the separates you from the Lord who longs to give you new life. He will do it, if you will cry out to Jesus right now.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Lord Jesus, thank you for healing my body, mind and spirit, today. I love you, Lord, Amen.
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