Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Healing: A signpost for redemption
Bible Reading: Acts 5:12-16
Verse 16 - Crowds gathered also from towns around Jerusalem bringing those who were ill and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

DEVOTION

When God Almighty created Adam and Eve in His image and likeness, they were given a wholesome body and spirit. However, they were also given a mind to reason and make choices. God did put some restrictions in the conduct of their daily life in the Garden of Eden. The restrictions served both as a protection and a test. The first humans miserably failed in the test of obedience as the serpent enticed Eve with the forbidden fruit.
Thereafter, the whole of humanity has to bear the burden of sin. As the humans increased in number, sins also multiplied along with. Sin had impaired the human soul from communicating with God freely and it corrupted the body with diverse diseases. Eventually, as sins multiplied in the world, God reduced the length of days of human life. He reduced it to a hundred and twenty years (Gen: 6:3). Later on, after leading the rebellious people of Israel for more than forty years, Moses revealed God's willingness to reduce human life even shorter to seventy or eighty years (Psalms 90:10).
Modern medicine has stemmed the tide of massive loss of human life due to pestilences and communicable diseases. Even as we admit this fact we should also recognize the utter futility of relying solely on medicine. The recent outbreak of COVID19 viral disease is a prime example. Cancer and several other diseases still defy human power of thought, intelligence and research. There are studies that show that the immunity of human beings is on the decline. Even if we reach a time when we as humans are successful in overcoming all diseases, eternity in this world is an impossible proposition. The simple fact is that the human body has only a temporary existence in this world.
The words of Lord Jesus Christ become relevant in this context. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? " (Mark 8:36). While emphasizing the salvation of the human soul as the highest goal in our lives, Lord Jesus also wanted people to be healthy in their body as well. After telling the paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven, Lord Jesus commanded him to take up his couch and go home (Luke 5:24). This event reveals that the redemption of the soul and the healing of the body are compatible. Lord Jesus, through the atoning sacrifice at the cross, redeemed our souls and healed us by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5).
However, it will be a faulty interpretation that all healthy people are saved and those who are not healthy are condemned. Job, a true servant of God, suffered immeasurable pain and anguish from the diseases that tormented him. Apostle Paul talks of the infirmity in his body which remained with him even after he prayed for its healing. Valiant men and women sacrificed their health and well-being to spread the gospel to remote parts of the globe. Father Damien died of leprosy as he tried to care for the marginalized leper community in Molokai Island. 
The presence of diseases in this world leads us to the understanding that this earthly life is short and we should be concerned about and focus on our eternal life. During the time of the Apostles, healing was administered as a means to lead the people to believe in Jesus as their Savior. Jesus himself gave His disciples the power to heal the sick and cast out evil spirits. (Matthew 10:1).  As the followers of the Lord, it is incumbent on us to make it part of our daily living to care for the sick and needy.  
Mar Thoma Church has included in its manifold services, the healing ministry as one of the prime aspects. We operate several hospitals, health clinics and affiliated institutions with this aim in view. They serve the members of the church as well as the society at large. In various mission fields of the church, dedicated doctors and other health professionals volunteer their services to bring healing to the afflicted communities located largely in poorer localities. Let us also participate whole-heartedly in these life-giving missions. In these Lenten days, it will be accepted as a pleasing worship before the Lord who ordained it. (Isaiah 58:6-7).

PRAYER

Lord, give us an understanding heart to focus on our eternal life rather than the current world around us, Make us aware of our mission to serve the suffering communities around us. Bestow on us the power of the Holy Spirit to pray and bring healing to those who are afflicted. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the day

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" - Isaiah 53:5

Abraham Mammen
Sehion Mar Thoma Church Dallas

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