Joni Eareckson Tada is a paraplegic. She went swimming as a teenager and broke her neck causing paralysis and resulting in her confinement to a wheelchair. She will tell you that the most productive years of her life came as a result of her paralysis. It wasn’t easy adjusting to a new lifestyle. Realizing her life had changed from self-locomotion to the speed of a wheelchair; she adjusted, adopted, competed and then conquered. She is a successful artist, a successful author, a successful public speaker, and a successful representative for the Kingdom of God. If she wasn’t a paraplegic she could very well be just another of the world’s great unwashed, living a life of vanity and rushing down that broad road paved with good intentions, headed straight to hell. She didn’t choose self-pity she chose a life of service.
The Bible records numerous people being healed from sickness and injury:
- The centurion’s servant lying home paralyzed suffering terribly. -Matthew 8
- A paralytic was brought to Jesus by some concerned friends. -Matthew 9
- Two blind men followed Jesus hoping to be healed. -Matthew 9
- A demon possessed mute was brought to Jesus.-Matthew 9
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,preaching the good news of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.” Matthew 9:35
Can a paraplegic walk? With the help of science, a body fitting exoskeleton, some highly trained physical therapists and dogged determination—maybe. Can a paraplegic walk into heaven? With the help of science, a body fitting exoskeleton, some highly trained physical therapists and dogged determination—no. Then, how does a paraplegic, or anybody, make it in?
“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
You cannot find your way to heaven on your own. Besides, all roads do not lead to heaven. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 Are you on the right road? Do you have a false assurance of salvation? It is one thing to confess with your mouth and your words verses your actions. Believing in Jesus is the only way to heaven, because he alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way may not be popular, but it is the true and right way. Thank God there is one way! Jesus is just not ‘a way’ he is “the way”. It’s not just a path, it’s a person. Jesus says I am completely trustworthy, because he’s one with the Father.
Joni Eareckson Tada’s purpose in life is to lead other’s to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. What a witness!
No comments:
Post a Comment