Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. . . Isaiah 53:4a (NIV)

Some time ago, I had a very good friend enter the hospital to undergo some major surgery.

I'm pleased to say that he's doing pretty well.

Physically, he's fine, but mentally, he's still in shock from getting the bill for a two-week hospital stay. Don’t get me wrong; he is thankful for the miracles of modern medicine; he is grateful for the skilled hands of the surgeons, and he is appreciative of the care given him by the great nurses.

Even so, the sticker price on health care can be quite a shock.

Having said that, I'd like you to think of two things today.

First, if the Lord has blessed you with health, have you spent any time giving thanks to Him for your well-being? My friend is a good example of how quickly a person can lose the gift of a good constitution.

My second thought is just as basic. Have you ever thought how much it cost our Lord to make your soul healthy and well? The bill from a two-week hospital stay is pretty cheap when it's compared to the life of God's Son. Jesus’ life, suffering, and death were the price that was paid on your bill, so your soul could be free from the corrupting cancer of sin.

Jesus lived, died, and rose so your soul might be healthy for eternity. He paid a great price for you, so He might give a great gift to you.

Having shared those thoughts, I'd like to say, by God’s grace be healthy–in body and soul.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for paying the high cost to make my soul healthy and well, free from illness of sin. It is because of Your sacrifice that the souls of believers will be healthy for eternity. Help me to share this wonderful news with those around me. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 24-26    1 Peter 2

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