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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

No More Fixing

August 8, 2010

Hebrews 13:14
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. (NIV)

Mufflers and brakes are the two things people have to replace more than anything else on the vehicles they drive. They live a hard life and wear out sooner than most other parts on cars and trucks.

Everything else wears out on cars too, even if it takes a little longer. Automobiles are not unique. Buildings, books, washing machines and shoes all wear out. Our bodies wear out. We try to keep things going by fixing them, and this usually works for a while. Mufflers and brakes can be replaced, but when the ignition, transmission, and engine wear out, it’s time to give up the losing battle.

When a shoestring breaks, we replace it. But if the soles have large holes in them, it’s usually time to throw the shoes away.

We work the hardest at keeping our bodies going. When we are sick, we rest and take medicine. When a bone is broken, we have it set in a cast to heal. When something is really wrong, we might need an operation.

Today’s Bible reading from Hebrews talks about us not having an “enduring city” here on earth. It means that fixing anything, including our bodies, is only a temporary solution. Because of sin, everything in the world is falling apart and breaking down. Death is the result of sin, and it means that nothing can be permanently fixed here on earth.

That reality would make us forever sad and defeated, if it were not for the rest of that verse, which reminds us that we are looking for a permanent city that will come to us. Knowing that we can’t fix anything permanently, including our bodies, we have God’s promise that we are going to a place that the Bible says has “foundations” that “cannot be shaken.” That means that nothing will break down or need repair in the place God has prepared for us, and it will last forever.

One of the individuals who used to live at Bethesda said it best. Whenever he talked about this wonderful and lasting place, namely heaven, he simply said enthusiastically, “Let’s go!”

Heavenly Father, help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we look toward the time You will take us to our heavenly home. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Michael Schempf, Chaplain – WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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