This Is Why

Are you struggling with something right now? Maybe it's an illness or a physical disability. Do you think Jesus actually cares? I'm sure He does. But do you think his main interest is in healing you? You might be surprised by the answer to that question.

On my way home from work one night this week I was listening to the keynote speech from the 2013 National Religious Broadcasters Convention. It was given by Joni Eareckson Tada - a Christian author, speaker, radio host . . . and quadriplegic.

She spoke about what it was like when, as a 13-year-old, she dove into a t00-shallow portion of Chesapeake Bay and severed her spinal cord between the fourth and fifth vertebrae. During her therapy, and subsequent decades of paralysis, she experienced anger, depression and suicidal thoughts and religious doubts. Understandable.

She prayed yet it seemed as if her prayers went unanswered. She began to question her faith. But God had something in mind for her BECAUSE of her paralysis. He wanted to use her to inspire others and she has done just that.

As I listened to her speaking she caused me to hear a Bible story from a totally new perspective - that of a paralytic. The Book of Mark.

^"32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Why was everyone looking for Jesus? Well, it was because He was healing them. Wouldn't you bring a sick or dying relative to someone who could heal them? Of course!

But Jesus did something unexpected. He refused to heal any more. He left town. He left the sick and hurting and crippled in their infermeties.

Then came the verse that changed Joni's outlook on her paralyzed life.

^"38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” - Mark 1:38

He came to preach the good news. The healing was more of a way to get people to listen to the gospel. Jesus knew His time was short. He had to be about His Father's business.

The reason He didn't heal all of those who wanted to be cured or made whole was that, if they received the Gospel, if they believed in Him, they would be getting brand new glorified bodies in heaven. For all eternity. Why spend time healing Earth's failing physical bodies when He could offer someone the opportunity of eternal life with perfect bodies . . .    forever.

Which would YOU rather have?

Joni Eareckson Tada Speaks at The 2013 NRB Convention

Oh, and the photo at the top of the page . . . it was painted by Joni . . . with her mouth.