Habits of Jesus Day 15: Loving the Sick

Jesus healed the dead body of Lazarus and he came out of the grave alive. That was a miracle! But even more touching was how Jesus loved Lazarus as a brother and wept for him and for his sisters Mary and Martha.

Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is sick.” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified in it.” … Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” … Jesus wept, but said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” And the man who had died came forth. From John 11: 3-44

My pastor recently said that the sick receive their permanent perfect healing in heaven. We believe that, but with all our heart we want it to happen later, not sooner, happen to someone else, not our loved one and happen after we are gone, please. Why shouldn’t everyone live a long, long life and love and spoil grandchildren and then send them home? Get to be ornery and cranky and still eat dessert for dinner?

My husband Steve passed away at 65 from cancer. Five months after our wedding, he was diagnosed with metastatic spinal cancer. No cure. No research. No hope. But his last year and a half was lived in the love and joy of his family, his friends and his Lord.  

We prayed for healing, the elders anointed him with oil and prayed and my Bible Study gals and our church prayer team prayed. Did God answer our prayers? The better question is, how did God answer our prayers?

As time and the cancer progressed, Steve walked hand in hand with God towards his future with Him. The outcome of that last day was a shock, but looking back, I know Steve was prepared. We had been able to say what we wanted to say to each other. He hadn’t yet suffered the worst ravages that might have racked his body. He was at home where he wanted to be. He was ready to be with Jesus. He saw a ‘bright man’ behind me, an angel, the Lord? Then His focus was elsewhere, not in this world. He slipped away to his new life with Jesus. 

Jesus promised Martha that He was the resurrection and the life for Lazarus and He is that for us all. We have the promise that if we believe we will never die. We will all receive that permanent perfect healing! And for some, God listens to Jesus as He intercedes for us and has a plan to heal and glorify Himself by a temporary imperfect healing! Lazarus came forth, stinky bandages and all, into the arms of his family and his Friend.  

There are so many ways to help the sick. We may not be called to hospital visits, be qualified for hospice care or have millions to donate to research programs. But we will have a loved one who needs healing and care in the time they have left. God calls us all to love. The next time there is an opportunity, don’t hold His love back.   

Lord of the Resurrection, I place my loved ones and myself in Your hands. Help me to step up and love where You have called, even if it is not comfortable. Amen.