I think what is tough though is that the actions taken by Jesus and the disciples to “make people whole” are almost always miraculous. In most cases, we here today seem to lack the ability or the faith to pull this off. This is one of the things — but not the only one — that makes it difficult to parse exactly what action(s) we are called to do.
I think about this often. In my experience, instantaneous miraculous occurrences are pretty rare. I've not experienced one.
But I have participated a lot of action by the Church by which people seek and are brought to healing and restoration in a variety of ways. I do believe it's a partnership between God's people at work, the Spirit's inspiration, and the character of Jesus.
I have seen this as well. I think, perhaps generously, that most churches contain some kernel of this. One might say that the church - though imperfectly - imitates Jesus in the sense that Jesus went out into the towns, made himself available, and then people came to him for healing. Local churches can be a proxy for that availability.
But - and I could be misreading you - sometimes it sounds like you are concerned that there is not enough such action or perhaps not enough of the right kinds of action. Is that so?
DiLoreto- I know what you mean. Also, if I were to show up at a prison to visit those there, or at a food bank on a regular basis to feed those there...or literally do any of the "non-miracle" things Jesus asked me to do... The action of it actually happening would be a miracle in and of itself. Because I don't do those things. It's far more comfortable for me to spend time with "Jesus Daily" and my coffee, dogs gnawing on bully sticks next to me each morning.
I think what is tough though is that the actions taken by Jesus and the disciples to “make people whole” are almost always miraculous. In most cases, we here today seem to lack the ability or the faith to pull this off. This is one of the things — but not the only one — that makes it difficult to parse exactly what action(s) we are called to do.
I think about this often. In my experience, instantaneous miraculous occurrences are pretty rare. I've not experienced one.
But I have participated a lot of action by the Church by which people seek and are brought to healing and restoration in a variety of ways. I do believe it's a partnership between God's people at work, the Spirit's inspiration, and the character of Jesus.
I have seen this as well. I think, perhaps generously, that most churches contain some kernel of this. One might say that the church - though imperfectly - imitates Jesus in the sense that Jesus went out into the towns, made himself available, and then people came to him for healing. Local churches can be a proxy for that availability.
But - and I could be misreading you - sometimes it sounds like you are concerned that there is not enough such action or perhaps not enough of the right kinds of action. Is that so?
DiLoreto- I know what you mean. Also, if I were to show up at a prison to visit those there, or at a food bank on a regular basis to feed those there...or literally do any of the "non-miracle" things Jesus asked me to do... The action of it actually happening would be a miracle in and of itself. Because I don't do those things. It's far more comfortable for me to spend time with "Jesus Daily" and my coffee, dogs gnawing on bully sticks next to me each morning.
True that!