"It is not the healthy who need a doctor,
but the sick"
Mark 2:17
I recently saw a show on the History Channel about Ellis Island, the gateway through which many of America's immigrants arrived. Ellis Island is, of course, a popular tourist destination. The Main Building, is one of the few buildings tourists are able to see, but there is much more to the property than that. There are more than 30 additional buildings that are unrestored. And do you know what most of those buildings are?
Medical buildings. Because many of those who immigrated to the United States, especially the poorest, came with diseases. Of those who arrived in with illness, only 2% were turned away. The rest were taken to the medical buildings for treatment or surgery. They were taken to be cared for. They were welcome, but before they were given the freedom they came for, they needed to be healed.
There is such a beautiful parallel here to our life in Jesus. Before we recognize our need for a Savior, we are unaware that we are, as Revelation says, "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." But when we give our lives to Him, we are promised healing ~ "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness: 'by His wounds you have been healed'" {That's from 1 Peter 2, and Peter is quoting Isaiah 53.}
And of course, we are promised freedom ~ "Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" {John 8:31-32}
I love that He promises us freedom; it's exciting and, well, liberating! That can only be provided by a Warrior, the King of kings. But I am comforted and heartened that He provides healing, too. He is the Great Physician; compassionate.
He is what I need; and I need what He is.
~ "To you who fear My name,
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
with healing in His wings;
And you will go out
and frolic like well-fed calves" ~
Malachi 4:2
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