A woman was bent over, not able to straighten up for 18 years! She went to synagogue. Enter Jesus. He saw the woman and called out to her “I free you from your infirmity!” He placed his hands upon her. She straightened up and praised God.
Ten lepers were walking in a group in a village, keeping a distance from residents, so as not to infect others. Enter Jesus. He invited them to go to the Temple. On their way, they were healed. One returned to find Jesus and praise God.
Disciples of Jesus were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A sudden and fierce storm rose up threatening the very lives of the disciples. They were terribly afraid. Enter Jesus. He calmed the wind and the waves, “Be still.” The sea became calm.
The 12-year old daughter of Jairus died. The family is grieving deeply, even loudly. Enter Jesus. He takes the little girl by the hand, and gently calls her to wake up. The girl lives again.
Enter Jesus. In these stories, and many more, Jesus enters with healing and life. Sometimes Jesus enters with challenges. He challenged close-minded, legalistic Pharisees to embrace the compassion of God.
According to the law, a group of believers were about to execute a woman who had committed adultery. Enter Jesus. He challenges the law, and offers forgiveness instead, and directs the woman to live a new life, turning away from sin.
In our lives we struggle with physical ailments: cancers, brain tumors, blindness, broken bones. We struggle with mental ailments: stress, anxiety, being overwhelmed. We struggle with emotional ailments: depression, broken hearts, grief, anger. We struggle with spiritual ailments: feeling disconnected from God, unable to pray, habitual sin. We struggle with addictions, floods, fires, and wars (global, in our homes, in our hearts).
Enter Jesus to set us free, to heal us, to challenge us, forgive us, teach us, love us.
True story. The other day, I woke up from a nap feeling anxious, nervous, upset, insecure. I wanted these feelings to go away. I began to pray, over and over again, “Enter Jesus. Enter Jesus. Enter Jesus.” I fell back asleep. Later, I woke up refreshed and healed, feeling the love and grace of God.
For your ailments and rejoicings, I invite you to say these words a prayer, “Enter Jesus.” Repeat often.
