Healing

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3 Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”  Mar 2:1-12

So far, Mark has offered us an introduction to Jesus who is Messiah/Christ and Son of God.  Who is both the One who will challenge the religious and political authorities of the day.  The One who calls us to repent, brings us back into a relationship with God at the center.  The One who says that the realm and reign of God is right here...right now...right inside each of us.  Mark talks about the tension of life, because even though Jesus is here, life still is broken.  Even though there is a new order, the old order is oppresses.  Even though there is new life, the old life still lingers on.  Even though we are more than a week into a new year, the problems of 2015 managed to stick around and are now trying to tempt you with that chocolate bar that is not on your diet!  So, Mark says, we live in the midst of tension.

As chapter one concludes and you turn to chapter two, you read several stories of healing.  Healing a man at church; healing Simon's mother-in-law at her home; healing a leper; healing many others.  Healing.  In the midst of tension, we long for healing.  In the midst of pain/suffering, we long for relief.  In the midst of hurt that occupies our life and impacts everything, we long for peace (shalom that will embrace everything!).  As a pastor, I am challenged by Jesus' healing rather than doing more pastoral-y things.  The gospel doesn't say, Jesus was baptized and preached the best sermon ever.  The gospel doesn't say, Jesus proclaimed the realm/reign of God was near and attended a committee meeting.  The gospel doesn't say, Jesus declared good news...in a blog!  Jesus went and met people where they were at.

Increasingly, I believe Jeff Jones is correct, the question for the church is not how do we bring people in...but how do we go out?  How do I go out?  Get out of the office/study and into the homes of people who are hurting.  I am challenged that only one of the healing stories takes place in a religious space.  But there is ONE...so perhaps that is to say there is a place for church.  But it is not the only place where healing happens.

Experience tells us this.  Healing happens over dinning room tables, in coffee shops, in hospital or hospice rooms, in parks, in the rain, snow, and sunshine.  Healing...which is different than a CURE.  A cure is about treating an illness.  Healing is about making us whole...healing and shalom (peace which embraces both the brokenness and blessedness of life) are related.  Healing and shalom can hang out, even when the cancer continues.  Healing and shalom can hang out, even when when there is no cure.  And a cure does not necessarily mean healing.  I know people who have received transplants and keep on doing that which caused the illness in the first place.  I have seen extended hospital stays where the person is better physically, but not emotionally or spiritually.  Healing and cure are different, even though there are many similarities.

Which leads to Scripture reading your life right now...

Where do you need healing?  Cure?  Is it the same?
Who are the friends who would help you carry the mat?  Many people say that illness tells them who their friends really are.
Who is willing to go the extra mile...climb the roof...and help you?  I always laugh at what that poor homeowner said when he called his insurance agent.  "I am sorry," the Allstate agent says, "You are not covered for people DIGGING through your roof.  I don't care if it WAS an act of God."

I pray you will ponder the healing and cure in these days.  I pray you will let this Scripture read your life...and there will be MORE than a trace of grace.

Blessings ~