GPS Guide – June 25, 2019

HEALING AND THE OTHER

Tuesday

Read: Luke 17:14

“¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.” (NIV Luke 17:14)

Study: After the Lepers had asked Jesus to “Have mercy” on them, Jesus responds by telling them to go to the town’s priests. There could be many reasons Jesus could have done this, but I like to believe that he was trying to show that spiritual healing is not a solitary affair. Both the lepers and the priests experienced healing this day. The lepers were obviously healed but by telling them to “go to the priests” Jesus was showing that the connection to the body of believers was important. He was also showing the priests that their prejudice and fear of these “unclean” people was not warranted in his kingdom. Have you ever felt like you didn’t need the church to experience God? While God is definitely experienced outside of the church, the Bible is clear that a community of believers is important for spiritual healing. I believe Jesus knew this and was trying to show us that, when we follow him, we are healed, and we are more accepting of those who we fear. 

Pray: God, when I cry out to you, you listen. Guide me, heal me, and let me show everyone the love you first showed me. Amen