The past month and more has been characterized for me by a procession of illnesses, one after another, collectively inconveniencing the standard and unique responsibilities of the season. Extended cases of sickness usually incite one to consult a physician, in hopes of receiving some form of remedy to the situation. My own experiences with doctors have not been particularly encouraging in this respect; I am currently reliant upon the “urgent care” system, and the past few times I have sought assistance through this, I have received rather lackluster service. Some time ago, I was experiencing a rash of sorts on the tops of my feet; nothing I tried served to relieve the issue, so I got myself to a medical facility to inquire after the problem. After several hours of waiting, I finally spoke with a nurse, who interrogated me over the specifics of my ailment, and presumably forwarded the observations to a doctor. Said doctor did not talk to me; coming into the room after the nurse had left, she looked briefly at the rash and declared it as a form of “dermatitis,” and prescribed a steroid cream. Of course, “dermatitis” just means “skin rash,” and I believe steroids are used to accelerate cellular regeneration. What I wanted was some indication of what was causing the issue; I instead received a treatment for the symptoms.
I should acknowledge a certain degree of unreasonable expectation on my part. Technically speaking, a doctor cannot tell you more than you can tell him; his expertise consists of being better informed to interpret your experiences. For some problems, he may perform tests to retrieve details of your situation you could not yourself be aware of; but even in this he relies upon his own discretion as guided by what he is observing or hearing from you. As the patient, you are the subject of his investigation, and he must start by searching you for indicators of your specific ailment. Once he has gathered sufficient info, he (theoretically) utilizes the special knowledge and experience that qualifies him as a doctor to advise you as to the best possible actions to take for your restoration. This is as much as he can honestly promise to do for you; he does not have the power of supernatural healing, nor is he capable of omniscience in perception. He is a human before he is a doctor, and he is bound by his human limitations; I ought to exercise empathy towards these limitations, being myself bound by them.
I’ve lately pondered the possible considerations of another human doctor who reported on a rather unempathetic populace as they reacted to someone significantly less bound by such limitations. Luke the Physician accounted in his Gospel (4:16-30) an exchange between Jesus and the residents of His hometown of Nazareth, in which Christ identified Himself as the fulfilment of Messianic prophesy. His audience was rather unreceptive; they believed they knew Jesus as a man, and could not believe Him capable of supernatural feats. And He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard You did at Capernaum, do here in Your hometown as well.’” And He said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (Luke 4:23-24) Christ’s miracles of healing served as testimony to His Godhood, yet many in the land saw them only according to their individual advantages, demanding they be employed in their own service, rather than in service to Christ.
As I suffer through the corruption of Creation made manifest at the cellular level, I may occasionally give way to resentment thereof, becoming so focused upon my state that I lose sight of my Savior’s promises. God does not exist to serve me; in fact, the opposite is true. As the sufferings of this life are but temporary, it behooves me to endure them, and seek for God to show me His compassion through the experience. Peace is had by His Spirit, and I have but to ask for it. Let me never become arrogant in these blessings, presuming some degree of privilege over them beyond what I am already graciously given. Let me not be deceived in my limited perspective, failing to appreciate the bigger picture in eternity. Let me anchor my hope in the omniscience and omnipotence of El Shaddai, who created the world, created me, and loves me enough to send His Son to die for me.
Be patient. TTT
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