And He answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have Good News preached to them." Luke 7:22
One billion dollars is a lot of money.
You probably didn't need to hear me say that, but it was a fun line to write and read: one billion dollars is a lot of money.
Still, one billion dollars is the amount that Mike Dewey is promising to pay anyone who finds the cure for breast cancer. Mike's "Victory Project Awards" is promising the same amount to anyone who manages to
Understand, Mike doesn't have all that money in the bank, but he's absolutely sure he can raise a bunch of cash to present to anyone who makes a world-changing contribution like those listed above.
I probably don't have to tell you that some people are applauding Mike's idea even as others put it down.
As for me, I like the idea of changing the world.
Jesus did, too. That's why, when John asked for confirmation as to his cousin's purpose, Jesus spoke of some changes He had made: tell John what you see and hear. Tell him how the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have Good News preached to them.
One person at a time, Jesus has changed the world. He changed Matthew's world when He called the publican away from the tax collector's table. He changed the world of the dying thief when He promised the man would be with Him in paradise.
Jesus has changed our world, too, hasn't He?
Through His suffering and death Jesus paid a great price. His life, worth more than a billion times a billion dollars, was the price He paid. By His sacrifice and resurrection all who believe are given salvation. Because Jesus has changed the world, no longer can Satan claim us; no longer will hell be our eternal habitation.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I have seen the sickness sin brings to this world and I give thanks for those who strive to bring us health and harmony. Still, if we are to be saved eternally, it will not be by humankind's invention or intercession. If we are saved, it will be because the Holy Spirit has given me faith in what You have done. I thank You. Amen
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Chronicles 17-19 1 Corinthians 13
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