Hopes for Healing

I did not know what to say. That is certainly unusual for me. I found myself having an intense phone conversation with someone I had never met in person. She was not a telemarketer. This 70-year-old had reached out to me as a hospice chaplain. She had been so healthy that she did not even have a doctor. But she had been having some strange, scary incidents with her health and, when examined, was told she had a rare blood infection that most antibiotics were not effective in treating. My new friend was told she could die. She was awaiting results of a blood culture that was taken and now she was asking for words of wisdom and hope from the pastor who had visited her aunt many times.

Based on her church background I suspected that this dear woman would expect a miracle and complete healing. I think she was hoping I would affirm that belief. It was time for me to empathize and answer her questions – biblically. I could tell she appreciated my concern for her more than what I had to tell her. It is not always God’s will that people are healed from physical ailments, diseases, and injuries.

There is no doubt that a lot of the people who were seeking out Jesus when he walked on earth did so because he had the power to heal. He certainly blessed many folks who had various ailments at that time. For all our complaints about the state of healthcare today, conditions in the world of 2,000 years ago were much worse. Granted, they did not have to deal with consequences of junk food and lack of exercise. But when this miracle worker came to town, it is no wonder that people sought him out, in hopes that he could care for their infirmity. They saw him only as one who worked miracles, not as Messiah.

One such person traveled about 16 miles on behalf of his deathly sick son. He was some sort of official, perhaps in service to King Herod. The story is recorded in John 4:46-54. Jesus was back in Cana where he changed wedding water into wine. Word about Jesus had obviously gotten out.

The man was requesting that Jesus make the journey to heal his son who was “at the point of death” (47). I am sure if I was in the official’s position, I would do whatever it took to get help for my son. Both of my sons have been critically ill. The feeling for parents is terrible. We would trade places with them if we could. Now the father in our story hoped Jesus would trade towns and touch his son.

The response of our Lord may initially seem cruel and uncaring. So, Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe” (48). The word “you” here is plural even though he is addressing the official. His reference is to the people of Galilee as a whole because they were not recognizing Jesus as Messiah and therefore just wanted him for his miracles. They did not yet believe he was the Son of God.

The man persisted in just wanting to see his son physically saved. The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies” (49). At first, he was asking Jesus to come. He now was demanding it and calling him sir. I can relate to his desperation; but he definitely is being pushy and did not even reply to Jesus’ statement about belief.

However, he did believe. Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way (50). Jesus could have said that he would go to see his son when he got a chance or that he would start walking right away. Either way, it might have been too late. Out of compassion, Jesus took the ultimate shortcut. Just like when he was in on creating the world and everything in it, speaking was all it took. Jesus assured him that his son would live and that the father should head home. We do not know if the man initially believed that Jesus was the Savior or just a prophet who could perform signs. I am sure he had a lot on his mind as he traveled home quickly.

Servants of his met him along the way with the good news. His son was recovery nicely! When did his recovery begin? The man had a good reason to ask that question. Their answer affirmed his suspicion. Healing began at the very hour that Jesus spoke the word. And he himself believed, and all his household (53). This seems to indicate that his belief was deep and it impacted his family.

People today think that if they have such faith, then God must heal those who are inflicted with illness. While faith is vital for healing, it does not guarantee it. Paul had a thorn in the flesh and could not heal everyone (2 Tim. 4:20). Timothy had stomach issues which a little wine helped manage (1 Tim. 5:23). Jesus even limited his miracles in some places due to the people’s unbelief (Mark 6:5-6). And since Adam and Eve, we know that eventually we all die physically. Yes, God has compassion on his children. Sometimes miracles of healing still happen. Often times they do not. I have a family member who has battled cancer for a number of years. She and her husband are strong in their faith. Hundreds have prayed for her. Her prognosis is not good. She still knows that God is good. He allows sickness and death.

The lady who was told she had a blood infection found out she does not. She waits for more testing to learn what is happening with her body. My prayer is that God provides answers and healing. I reminded her, however, to pray as Jesus did. “Father, not my will, but yours be done” (Mark 14:36).