Mind Meld of A Different Kind

MARK 3:7-12
Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.

Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, “You are the Son of God!” But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.

A Passion for Healing

I’ll admit it. I’m no less desperate than those who streamed, from all points on the compass, to Jesus for healing. If I knew of a person who would instantly deliver me from one particular malady, I’d make my way to him today. Who wouldn’t?

So people pushed forward all day, backing him closer and closer to that point where the sand gave way to lapping water. There would be no teaching about the Kingdom of God today; no confrontation with those who heap unimportant religious minutia onto spiritually weary people’s shoulders; no Sermon on the Mount, or beach. Just lots, and lots, and lots of hurting, hoping people focused on immediate physical needs.

Even the spiritual issue of demon possession presented itself as physical malady.

Jesus could have been frustrated. “Don’t they see the deeper, eternal issues!? They only want me for what they can get out of me. When I start talking about taking up a cross, then they won’t be so eager to crowd around me!” But Peter, talking to young Mark about the events of this day, doesn’t recall any frustration in Jesus’ voice or temperament – only compassion. So, inspired by the Spirit, that’s all Mark records.

I am so glad God cares about every aspect of my person; spirit, soul, and body! Acid reflux? He cares (body!). Depression? He cares (“soul” in Greek, “psuche,” is the origin of the English, psychology!). Relationship with God? He cares (spirit).

So he gifts the planet with healing wonders. He gifts humanity with his likeness; the ability to discover, learn, and create ways to apply those healing wonders to a wide array of body and soul maladies. No wonder God leads Christians into the fields of medicine, psychology, and pastoring. And no wonder he calls every Christian to practice the healing arts of caring, loving, and spiritual friendship.

As important, this day in Jesus’ life, and others like it, explains why so many Christians cannot escape the sense, that following Jesus means commitment to get top quality health care to every person in the world. We are healers, after all.

Divine Healer, forgive me when my own passion for advancing spiritual health eclipses compassion for physical and psychological health. Show me how to be faithful to your demonstrated commitment to the health of the whole person, and of every person in the whole world. Help me know how this faithfulness should show up in my values, morals, and daily choices. Oh, and thanks for caring about all of me!