December 31 | Luke 11:27-28

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DAILY READING

Luke 11:27-28

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REFLECTION

Luke the Physician

By Diane Ward

Of the four gospels Luke the physician records the most accounts of Jesus healing the sick and rebuking death.

(Luke 11:27-28)

We are entering the middle of Luke’s gospel now and already Jesus is engaging battle with the Jewish leaders. This is an ongoing battle that will lead to Jesus’ crucifixion, and he knows it well but does not show any signs of shrinking back. Jesus’ very presence should command respect, but their eyes are not able to see who he is. When he casts out a demon some said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.” Others want a sign. Jesus grows in intensity and rebuke, his enemies are furious at him, harsh words from hard hearts!

Jesus consistently rebuked diseases of the body, mind, and spirit. He declared an all-out offensive against sin, disease, and death. He was moved with compassion to heal and liberate.

There is no more desperate prayer for physical healing than that of a parent for their child. There is no more dependent posture than giving our loved ones over to God, whose love is greater than ours. In the world of spirit there is only the eternal now. God has completed in eternity all that is started in history. He never starts anything that has not already been completed.

God heals to lead people to repentance, to remove hindrances for service and ministry. God heals simply because people ask Him to, and God heals for sovereign purposes known only to Him.

Healed for eternity

To lose a loved one is a grief unfulfilled until we are again reunited with the Lord.

There is an empty tomb in the garden!

PRAYER

Thank you for all the heroes in the Bible like Luke. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANE WARD

I love to research and learn something new I hadn’t considered. From 2015 through present, I continue to write on fifth Fridays. Bless us all who write and share the Word of God! We never know who might find peace and grace along the way, including us!