Say "Gold" these days and it conjures up both the panic of the stock market disaster and the reassurance of precious metals as "safe havens". For me, "silver and gold" as metaphors for lots of money seems to be all I think about when I try to find a solution for my struggle with a disabling illness. Somehow, it's human nature to think that if there is any problem, however emotionally wrought, throw money at it.
Such was the state of the beggar as Paul passed his way. The beggar was disabled; he had no use of his legs. Up until then, he thought money was the answer. Paul turned around and said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk!" What can we learn from this?
Personally, I always thought that if I had enough money, I'd be happy and the pain of my disability could be assuaged. I kept looking forward to infusions into my income. But as far as GST cheques and special occasions can carry me, more money, in reality or dreamt of, doesn't address the problems of disability. Only healing can.
Can Jesus heal in 2009? Yes, I believe He can and wants to. While we think in this economy that buying gold (if you can afford it...I can't) will save us in the uncertainties of life, the Holy Spirit is beckoning us to come to Jesus and to trust in Him. He wants to heal us in the whole; he wants to make us wholly healed. Does this take away our obvious physical/intellectual disabilities? Honestly, I think He is able and wants to. If we, like Elijah, pray earnestly, and believe, the blessings of God can rain down on us. But will my disability be healed? completely? Yes, I believe He will heal. Did He not say, Let it be done according to your faith? So if we dream big, ask big, have great faith, will He not answer? Yes! So I expect healing--complete, lasting healing.
Money is good only in how it relates to other people and meets necessities. We give money to charities, buy our children food, clothing and education, pay for a roof over our heads, entertain friends and visitors, showing gratitude. Money doesn't solve illnesses or problems that begin in our rebellion, it does not increase faith, and it does not buy us love. It only goes as far as our hearts go. In the end, it is the spirit of the individual that counts for something. Gold will rot our flesh in the last days. That is God's warning.
