December 7th - Healing and Hope

Reading of Scripture: "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." - Isaiah 35:5-6 (NIV)

There's something deeply moving about watching videos of people hearing for the first time with cochlear implants or seeing children take their first steps after receiving treatment for a disability. These moments capture our attention because they represent more than just medical advancement – they show us glimpses of restoration, of things being made right.

When Isaiah wrote these words, he was painting a picture of God's promise to restore not just individuals, but the whole world. The imagery he uses isn't just about physical healing – though that's certainly part of it. He's describing a complete reversal of everything that's broken in our world. The blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame leaping – these are pictures of God's kingdom breaking through into our reality.

During Advent, we're reminded that Jesus' first coming began fulfilling these promises. Throughout his ministry, Jesus healed the blind, made the deaf hear, and enabled the lame to walk. Each miracle wasn't just about the physical healing – it was a sign pointing to the larger reality that God's kingdom was breaking into our world through Jesus.

Yet we still live in a world full of brokenness, where many still suffer from disabilities, illness, and pain. This tension between the "already" of Christ's first coming and the "not yet" of his return shapes our Advent experience. We celebrate the healing and restoration that has already begun while we wait in hope for the day when God's restoration will be complete.

Further Reading: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" - Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)

Ask the Following Questions:

What areas of brokenness in your own life are you hoping to see God restore?

How does Isaiah's vision of complete restoration give you hope?

How do you handle the tension between believing in God's power to heal and restore while still experiencing or witnessing suffering in the present?

In what ways might God be calling you to be part of his restoration work in the lives of others during this Advent season?

Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank you for the promise of complete restoration through Jesus Christ. Help us to hold onto hope as we wait for your promises to be fulfilled. Give us eyes to see where you're already at work bringing healing and restoration in our world. Show us how we can participate in your work of making all things new. Guide us to be agents of your hope and healing to those around us who are hurting. In Jesus' name, Amen.