Monday, March 10, 2008

Are there any sick among you? 3 Nephi 17: 4-10

4 But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them.
5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
8 For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.
9 And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.
10 And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.

(Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 17:4 - 10)

The people were sad when Jesus said that he needed to leave. Sensing their needs, and having compassion on them, he asked if they had any sick among them, and that he would heal them.

I like how he lists several possible illnesses that they might have, and then leaves open the caveat, “or that are afflicted in any manner?” Who isn’t carrying at one point or another in their life some burden that they would like to get rid of, where the burden is either physical or spiritual?

He heals all maladies, including broken hearts, emotional distresses, spiritual weaknesses and doubts, as well as the obvious physical limitations of being blind or lame.

It is interesting that he notes that their faith is sufficient for Him to heal them. The faith of the one being healed is an integral component of the process. Point being, Jesus has the power to heal everyone, but we need to develop the faith sufficient to make His power efficacious in our lives.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The very last line is very simple & incredibly profound at the same time and is of the utmost importance for me to remember, thanks for your faith & this posting,
and get well MY BROTHER.

KO