The Great Physician

Matthew 9:12 “When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”

I heard that the saddest situation is when a person is critically ill, but doesn’t even realize that they are sick. It almost goes without saying that a person who is seriously ill would do anything to regain health. But, I read that the sad fact is, few people really pay attention to their health until they are threatened with its loss. On the other hand, testimonies without number have been chronicled which relate an individual’s refusal to acknowledge the claims of Christ until he or she had been stricken with personal problems or physical illness. “You’ve got to be on your back before you will look up,” so the saying goes. But what does the Great Physician have to offer the one whose health seems to be strong from an outward perspective?

One devotional states that instead of being well, however, the Bible says that everyone is born into this world with a dreadful disease in our souls called sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23, “and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death” – James 1:15. The sin disease is most tragic when we do not feel it and do not know we have it. “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” – Revelation 3:17. Jesus Christ is the only One who can heal us: “Neither is there salvation in any other” – Acts 4:12. And just as He never sent anyone away who came to Him on Earth for physical healing, so “all that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” – John 6:37, when he comes in repentance seeking salvation.

Certainly one of the most important steps in this process of being healed of our sin sickness is recognizing our desperate need for healing. When we say, “I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” – Psalm 41:4, The Great Physician, Jesus Christ, will respond with forgiveness, grace, and healing.