Deliberations 2016(2): The Great Physician

Research informs us that there is a specific type of doctor for almost every major system in the human body.  But becoming a specialist in a particular area can be a daunting task. Doctors can spend from 3-6 years in specialized training – after already spending 4 years as an undergraduate, and 4 years in medical school. A newly certified physician is usually about 30 years of age; and must continually seek professional development to remain current in his/her field.

Yet after spending a comparatively short 40 days in the wilderness, and undergoing no medical training that we know of, Jesus embarked at the age of 30 on a ministry in which he demonstrated competency in a number of medical specialties and compassion for our human condition, as he healed a multitude of illnesses. For example:

·      A Surgeon – He replaced the soldier’s ear. Moreover he used minimally invasive techniques and no tools! Luke 22:50-53

·      A Hematologist – he healed the woman with the issue of blood – Luke 8:43-48

·      A Psychiatrist/Psychologist – He healed deranged minds – Luke 4:33-35

·      An Audiologist & Speech Pathologist – He made the deaf hear and the dumb speak – Mark 7:31-35

·      An Orthopedist – He straightened bones and made the lame walk – John 5:1-9

·      A Dermatologist – He healed 10 men of leprosy – Luke 17:11-19

·      A cryogenic engineer – He raised the dead – John 11:38-44; Luke 7:11-15

·      A Cardiologist & Neurosurgeon – He operates on our hearts and our minds, making us worthy to be called His sisters and brothers, and children of God – John 1:12 

Jesus is undoubtedly the only physician who is specialized to heal all ills, and His patient rapport is so good you will feel like His only patient. He is available 24/7; there is no charge for visits or prescriptions; and His cure is guaranteed!! There is even a bonus – He offers you a better life after this one! Won’t you make Him your personal physician today?

Deliberations 2016(1): #Back to Work! 

           (Developed out of a reading from a devotional for women: www.CTAinc.com)

How do you normally dress? Most of us put on comfortable, casual clothes while at home, but we generally choose more professional clothes for work in a classroom or office. Sometimes this is a uniform, like those worn by police officers, or nurses and doctors.

But here’s an interesting thought. On the day Jesus was betrayed, He did not dress for work. In fact, he undressed – removing his outer clothing in front of His disciples. Then, just as a lowly servant might have done, he took a towel and a basin of water and washed His disciples feet – including the feet of the one who would betray him! Here the disciples learned a lesson in humility as their Lord and Master washed their feet, (John 13).

Jesus asks us also to clothe ourselves in humility. This often requires that we remove some of the traits in which we clothe ourselves. For example we must lay aside pride and selfishness – replacing those outfits with a focus on the needs of others. We might need to roll up our sleeves and do the tasks others find distasteful or demeaning. Often we must volunteer for assignments that will probably go unnoticed and unrewarded. However as we labor at these tasks, we emulate our Savior’s humility, and as He works in us, His humble heart becomes our own. Moreover, scriptures remind us that happiness does not come from focusing on our own desires, but in looking outward and ministering to others.

Won’t you try on the clothes Jesus offers – remembering that His undeserved death in our place effectively covers our old sinful clothing?

You might just be surprised at the difference you will make in someone else’s life….