November 9
"And the power of the Lord was present for him
to heal the sick." Luke 5:17
How wonderful that Jesus appeared in this way!
It is hard to grasp that God would draw close to
us with such kindness. How obvious it was that
everything was rotten! How little fear of God was
there! How hypocritical was the piety of those
who pretended to be devout. Even the temple
was made into a "robber's den," turned into a
marketplace! Who could think anymore that God
was kind? Everybody was afraid that things
would go badly.
Then he came! And what was he like? He was
full of kindness, warmth, love, and mercy.
Nobody needed to fear him; everybody was
allowed to approach him. Everybody was
allowed to have hope, even sinners and tax-
gatherers. They could all come: Even a wretched
man would not be rejected. Everybody would be
healed and satisfied. Everybody was meant to
rejoice that God's ambassador had visited in
person.
That the Lord was so kind and able to do good
to all who drew near to him is the best proof that
he really came from God. Can there be anything
greater? Can there be anything higher than
knowing that he came from God? Can anyone
else satisfy our need?
He is still the same Savior. There is still hope
for everyone. Nobody needs to despair; nobody
needs to doubt his patience and love.
But we have to come to him, come longing for
grace. Then we will receive grace in abundance,
even in these troubled times, because we will
see the time coming when God "will wipe every
tear from their eyes. There will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order
of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Johann Christoph Blumhardt, from
He Sent His Word.
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A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Blumhardt's prayer for today and every day of the year.
http://blumhardts.com/bl/DailyPrayer.htm?source=Breakfast
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