The Slow Miracle of Healing
Last Sunday we looked together at the story in Acts 3 about the lame beggar at the Temple gate, how Jesus made him whole and strong through the hands of Peter. Immediately, the formerly lame man began to jump and run and dance around the apostles as they made their way through the crowded Temple courtyard. It takes most of us several years of childhood to learn to jump and run like that. I still can’t dance. But so comprehensive was the healing Jesus did that it included not only muscle and bone but skill and coordination as well.
His healing was a historic and astounding event, a sign and wonder that drew thousands of people to listen to and believe Peter’s message about the power and the name and the faith of Jesus. But it also serves as an illustration of what Jesus wants for everyone, for we all have our own kinds of crippling lameness. We are all spiritually crippled. We are not by nature able to run or even walk toward God unless and until He heals our spirit. Very many of us are emotionally and relationally crippled. We have been wounded or broken by trauma, by betrayal, by disappointment, or by failure.
Visualize for a moment that formerly lame man running and jumping and laughing and praising. That’s a picture of what Jesus wants for you: spiritual, emotional, and relational health and strength and freedom and the exuberant joy that only He can give. I know many of you who read this have experienced that slow miracle of healing since putting your faith in Jesus. The wonderful reality is that he keeps on healing us throughout our life here on earth.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and that’s a great occasion to express your gratitude for the healing that Jesus has done in your life. Maybe you won’t jump and run and dance around the turkey, but you can certainly be exuberant in your joyful praise of the God who heals.