Matthew 8:14-17
Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal.
That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,
“He healed our diseases and made us well.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a kid and got a "boo-boo" or "owie", and a grown-up "kissed it and made it better"? We all know that this "kiss" really didn't physically change anything...it didn't heal a blister, scraped knee or bump on the head. But the healing power of the gesture was immeasurable. And remarkably, we really felt better!
By the same token, we all can remember a time when someone came to our side and soothed us with their presence and words...and we were better for it. We know the healing power of a card that arrives in the mail with thoughts of love and care. We understand the feeling of joy and acceptance that washes over us when someone shoots us a smile. We are blessed and comforted beyond description when we learn that someone has prayed for us.
All of these things are paradoxically obtuse and powerful - all at the same time. And yet, they change us. To some degree, they heal us and make us well.
The GOOD NEWS is that for every one of these gestures, Jesus offers us so much more. He truly does have the power to heal. He can cast out demons of all kinds - from the nasty habit of gossip to our deepest, darkest, most secret sins. Just the whisper of His name can result in tremendous changes in our lives. His "touch" is the "kiss that makes it all better"!
Don't miss this! Jesus is with us. His loving care and healing power are available to us every moment of the day, even though we don't physically "see" Him standing before us. The promise of Isaiah 53:5 ["He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well."] has been delivered. It is up to us to accept - and treasure - this gift.
Moreover, our job as Christians is to share the touch of Jesus with others. We do not offer this out of our own suffering...but because of His sacrifices and the grace and mercy that He has extended to each of us. Just as we receive the healing power of Jesus and feel His "touch" in our own lives, we are to extend this blessing to others.
Does this mean that we can "lay hands" on the sick and they will be instantly healed? Probably not literally...but consider the healing power of a simple handshake. Think of the grace, mercy, love, forgiveness and acceptance that you can convey by clasping another person's hands, patting someone on the back, or "kissing a child's boo-boo and making it better."
Look around and find ways to reach out to others in Jesus' name...to be the healing touch" or the soothing word that makes their lives a little easier and more joyful. Embrace the power of Jesus - in your own life, and as His Disciple. Look for opportunities to "kiss a boo-boo" - or even to cast out a demon! Believe that Jesus' power working in and through you can heal and restore at the mere whisper of His name!
The opportunities to serve - and heal - in the name of Jesus are more numerous than you can imagine. It's time for us to get busy doing exactly that. What are you waiting for? Whose "boo-boos" will you "kiss and make better" today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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