Scripture
"He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was." (Hebrews 5:2)
Observation
Just like the high priest in the New Testament had compassion on people because he himself knew his own failings and shortcomings. He was aware of his own struggles. I have gone through my own struggles and setbacks, failures and hurts, pains and problems, so I know how this feels. But, once I’ve turned those things over to the Lord, I now have compassion on people I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
In the service of the Lord— whether it's a Bible study teacher, elder of the church, children’s ark volunteer, pastor, or missionary—we’re not the doctors. There’s only one great Physician, only one Healer—Jesus Christ. As a pastor, then, who am I?
Application
I’m just a guy who has been in the hospital for a lot of years. And because I know where the bathroom is, where the cafeteria is, where the gift shop is, who the hospital workers are, I can help others find their way around the hospital. People get mixed up about this when they begin to think that missionary, worship singer, Bible teacher, or pastor is the answer. No. They’re walking around in the same blue gowns that you're wearing.
I’m still getting patched up myself. I’m still getting operated on regularly. I’m still terminal—but I’ve found a great Doctor. And so it is - this is the essence of true ministry. When I get patched up, now I can point people to Jesus, the Great Physician.
Prayer (for healing)
As I read this, I saw a picture of a hospital. And patients were recuperating and while they’re in bed, some had cast on their leg, some had bandages, some had intravenous feeding going on, the Lord spoke quietly to my heart.
He said please tell these people who are yet still in the process of being healed, because for some of us it’s going to take 6 mos. to a year. We’re not there yet.
The Lord said, tell them, I don’t love them after they’re healed. I love them even while they are being healed.
Lord Jesus we’re so thankful we can enter into a process of healing, and a lot of us, we have to admit we’re still in the hospital, we still have a long way to go. We still need therapy, physical therapy, we still need medication from You by Your Holy Spirit to take away some of the bacteria in our hearts.
We’re in so many different levels and stages of healing.
You don’t just love us when we’re perfect or done. You love us even when we’re still struggling and we’re still hurting. So thank you for that God.
We’re so glad that we’re in Your embrace and in Your hospital and that you are Jehovah-Rapha. The God who heals. We’re so grateful for that.
Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.
