The Healing Jesus: An Advent Devotional to Encourage Anybody and EverybodySample

JOANNA: THE ONE WHO FOLLOWED ALONE

Hi, I am Joanna, and I have never considered myself very remarkable. My husband, Chuza, is the one with the most powerful position. Because of my husband's high position, riches and wealth have always been a part of my life. But that's not what I want to base my life on.

Even though Chuza was the manager of King Herod's household, it didn't help us when I got sick. We had the resources and opportunity to see the palace's best. But I always went away feeling worse than before. The healers couldn't heal me.

Then I heard of Jesus, who was a kind healer. He traveled from town to town, and many people witnessed his miracles. I had tried everything else, so even though Herod was a strong opponent of Jesus, and Chuza wasn't crazy about me seeing him, he let me go.

Jesus healed me, and I have committed to following him since then. Not only that, but I use my money to pay for the food, lodging, and basic needs of Jesus and his followers. What would Chuza say if he heard that?

I know there are consequences to following him. Chuza is more determined than ever to get rid of Jesus. I can tell. But my love for Jesus is stronger than any fear. I thought all was lost when I saw him nailed to the cross. But Jesus used me to tell his disciples that he was still alive. I don't know why. I am nothing special. But I got to see my Lord and Savior alive. He was changed, yet the same comforting Lord I had known.

I still desperately pray for my husband. I wish we could share our faith; it is the deepest intimacy you can have. But so far, I follow alone.

I see how God worked through Chuza so we could have more than enough extra resources to provide for Jesus. Can you imagine what Herod would think if he knew what the money was going towards? It makes me smile. God will take evil and turn it into good.

Jesus is healing those who feel alone.

Questions for Talk it Over:

1. Why is Chuza working for Herod significant?

2. What is something you have had to do alone? How did it make you feel?

3. How can you remind yourself that even when you feel alone, Jesus is with you?