Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

HEALTH

Jesus gave his disciples a preaching mission. They were to share the good news with the people of Israel. But this mission also sounds like a medical mission. Heal the sick, cure leprosy, cast out demons. This is a mission to restore wholeness and health, to repair people who are physically, emotionally and spiritually broken. Those in need were probably thrilled to see these “doctors” come to town, especially doctors who charged nothing for their services.

Medical care today is big business. Pharmaceutical companies spend millions on research, development and promotion. It’s not unreasonable for them to want some profit, but there are millions of poor people who lack access to basic medicine. Many pharmaceutical companies are improving their efforts to give the poorest people on earth the medicines that they desperately need.

Why do you think Jesus told his disciples not to bring money as they traveled? What does that say about the value of people in ministry? If you were present during that time and one of the apostles told you that he could cure any disease you had with the power of God, how would you have responded? Why?

You don’t have to be a doctor or a nurse to provide medical care to a community. You can donate money to a program that provides medical aid to the poor or sends medical missionaries. Also, find out what the most urgent health issues are in your community. Work with a church group to address these needs. Pray: Lord God, when I am healthy, remind me that my health is a gift from you; help me to be grateful. When I am ill, help me to seek your face. Attend to the needs of all who need your healing presence, especially those with chronic and severe illnesses and those struggling with limited resources. Restore them to wholeness.