This week, Healthcare Reform was passed into Law in America. What does Jesus have to say about it? To be honest, I don’t think He is phased in the least. As I pray about it, I get the sense that He is less concerned with the material effects on the nation than He is concerned with the spiritual aftermath.
In the wake of this decision, American Christians have been thrown into an uproar. Within the Church, many people are being vocal about their opinions and dividing unnecessarily. What does Jesus have to say about that?
Proverbs 18:2 – A fool…delights in airing his own opinions. (NIV)
I believe Christ is asking His Church: “Why have you chosen the foolish route of airing your own opinions? It is a waste of time and dissolves unity. Share your opinions with Me—not each other. I alone am the Truth.”
Judge for yourself.
Second, I sense that Jesus cares greatly about the long-term effects that Healthcare Reform will have on the unborn, but I do not sense that He is surprised. What does He have to say about this?
2 Timothy 3:1–4,13 – But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God….while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (NIV)
The condition of mankind that lends itself to legalized abortion was prophesied two thousand years ago. It was inevitable. Jesus isn’t surprised, but He is also not pleased:
Isaiah 5:20 – Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. (NIV)
I believe Christ is asking the Church, “Will you continue to be a voice for the unborn even though it will soon cost you more than ever? Will you shine like stars in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation?” Judge for yourself.
Third, I see many Christians responding to the Healthcare Reform with fear rather than faith. What does Jesus have to say about this?
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
The spirit causing us to fear was not given by God.
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (NIV)
I believe Christ is pleading with us: “Get your hearts and minds off of worldy matters. Set your minds on things above—not on earthly things. Focus on My love for you. Your government will pass away, but My love endures forever. If you would come to Me first, then you would be able to face your future without fear. Repent, and return to Me! I love you!”
Judge for yourself.
Jesus has healthcare laws of His own, and they have been a part of His Kingdom for ages:
Isaiah 53:5 – But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV) James 5:14–16 – Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV) Mark 16:17–18 – And these signs will accompany those who believe: …when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (NIV)
I believe Jesus is asking: “Why are you so worried about earthly healthcare reform when I have already provided for your healing? Are you afraid I won’t take care of you? Do you think I will not follow through on My promise?”
Judge for yourself.
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
Let’s check our conversations about Healthcare Reform. Let’s examine whether what we are saying lines up with what He is saying.
God bless, –Art
