When a doctor, diagnosis or science renders a decision about a dire condition, there are typically two common responses. The initial one results in grief, pity and sorrow, especially if you hear those dreaded words, “there’s nothing I can do.” The latter is often found in fighters who ignore the obvious by clinging to a higher power, praying for the impossible. When life deals you a losing hand, my question to you is how great is your hunger for healing?
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, Mark 1:32-34.
The gospels of Mark and John highlight the degree of hunger necessary to usher in miracles from heaven. The first passage takes place after Jesus performs his first miracle in the city of Capernaum. Casting out a demon from a Jewish man at the local synagogue, a light bulb went off in the minds of several eye witnesses. Whether this was verbalized or not, the citizens of this small town began to think, “if this man can cast out a demon, surely Jesus can heal me as well.” After sunset everyone in town gathered outside Simon Peter’s house. Despite the darkness outside, a sense of urgency grew within these desperate hearts, seeking healing today, not tomorrow. Although some may have waited past midnight, this hunger was rewarded through a series of healings.
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me,” John 5:5-7.
The second encounter begins with pessimism. Anyone who has endured the same condition for 38 years without receiving an answer to prayer can lose hope. Perhaps, this explains the conversation Jesus has with this depressed individual. Like a doctor examining a patient, Jesus gets to the point, “do you want to be healed?” This man is symbolic of many Americans today, wanting to be healed, yet offering up good excuses to explain why their condition has not improved. Nonetheless, Jesus shows compassion and grace, restoring this man’s ability to walk. While some theologians will say its not in God’s will for everyone to be healed on earth, the spiritual appetite that you display can help you beat the odds by stirring heaven’s angels to perform a miracle in your life. Don’t give up; don’t ever give up hope in the power of Jesus’ name!
by Jay Mankus
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