Numbers 9:15-23 ; Acts 28

Scripture -  Paul went to the old man's room, and when he laid hands on him and prayed, the man was healed. Word of the healing got around fast, and soon everyone on the island who was sick came and got healed.  Acts 28:8-9

Observation - As I'm reading this tonight, I'm thinking about a young girl, Brie, who died in a snowmobiling accident this weekend.  I read about God's healing miracles, and can't help but wonder if a miracle could not have saved Brie (as it did Paul, who earlier in the chapter was bitten by a poisonous snake, as well all the sick that were on the island and came to Paul).  Miracles were a common experience in the lives of the apostles.  I believe that God still heals today, but people still die.  they always have.  Paul did.  All those who were healed on the island eventually died.  Healing seems so random sometimes.  But even though all eventually died, the healing they experienced likely brought many to faith in Christ, which brings eternal life - which is the most important work of Christ and our most important end.

Application - It is important to believe that the God who protected/healed Paul, and also healed others through Paul, still protects and heals today.  This tells us that God is not distant, but present to us.  Tragedies happen, not because God doesn't care, but because we now live in a broken creation.  Broken by our sin and disobedience.  God's healing power may seem absent now, but is powerfully present in the aftermath, working in and through others to bring comfort and healing to broken hearts, and hope to those who are despairing.  The question that often follows such events is "why did this happen?"  But the question that is perhaps more helpful is "How can we find healing?"  The answer is the same as it was for Paul - we find healing in God's presence, in Christ's atoning sacrifice, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer - Dear God, we want to know why.  Why some are healed and some, seemingly, are not.  Why some live, and others die.  Lord, help us to understand your ways, and to know that even when things don't go the way that we want, that your love never really fails us.  For you are the giver of life - earthly and eternal.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.