My mental image of the moments when a large group gathers around Jesus and he heals them is one that is always truly amazing, seeing the numbers of sick and injured made whole. I want to see this image in real life. As I’m writing these words, I have a mental list running through my head of those in our congregation who are sick, and it feels as though the list grows longer each day. The hard truth is that there will always be people who are in need of healing.
While I know that hard truth, I also remember another amazing truth: Jesus still offers us healing. Sometimes that healing appears in miraculous ways that defy all explanations, but more often we see the healing differently. God has called people to be healers, as doctors, nurses, and in a myriad of other roles which bring healing to others. He also gives wisdom to people to be able to design treatments and medications that are themselves miracles.
Many of us look at healing for ourselves or those we love as an either/or situation, while God’s focus is multifaceted. He will work to have those caregivers who are inspired by the Holy Spirit at the ready, while continually working to allow the best treatment options available; miracles occur daily, even when we don’t notice them until later. It is important for us to also remember the words that John shared in Revelation, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).