A Hospital

In cities and towns across the country one can find one or several hospitals. The value of the hospital lies not in the building itself, but in the people who are present. Daily many will enter these centers of healing through different doors and for different purposes. All seek healing for the sick and injured.

Employees enter these doors regularly to contribute to the healing process. From the greeter at an entrance to the most skilled surgeons, all are here for the purpose of assisting those in need of medical help. Doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and many others may have a more visible role in the direct care of patients. There are many more behind the scenes staff members and volunteers who are also essential. Administrators, housekeeping, dietary, transportation and so many others contribute to a patient’s time at the hospital. Each member, doing his/her job well, is a part of a team that makes this hospital function well.

Some patients enter the hospital doors for planned visits. Doctor’s appointments, therapy, follow up care and procedures at clinics or other departments can all be reasons to come to the hospital. These know they have a need and come for care whether it will be pleasant or not. The care is necessary. Friends or loved ones may accompany or visit those who have come for care.

The Emergency Room doors are often the gateway through which people in a crisis enter. The need is often sudden, unexpected and urgent. Immediate action can often be the difference between life and death or the quality of life to come. Uncertainty and fear often accompany those who enter these doors. Gratefulness for those who are there to help is inexpressible.

As we meet together as a group of believers, we form the body of Christ which is also known as the Church. The value of the Church is not in the buildings, but rather in the people who enter through its doors. Like the doors of the hospital different people come and go with different needs, desires and purposes. All are in need of Jesus and many are in need of healing. Jesus overheard religious men criticize Him for spending time with sinners. “And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, Those who are strong and well have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick; I came not to call the righteous ones to repentance, but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).” (Mark 2:17 AMP)

Like the employees of the hospital, many members of the congregation come ready to fulfill their roles in any given service. Scripture tells us, “And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.” (Ephesians 4:11-13 AMP) Staff and leadership of the Church have been given to us by God to train the entire body of believers to perform His work of love. We each have different callings and ways of performing service, but all are important. Whether seen or unseen, our actions are critical to the care of the sick and hurting of this world.
Just as many patients plan to visit the hospital at pre appointed times, most congregations have regular services. At any given time, there are people sitting within a worship service that are hurting and in need. The Lord desires to reach out and love them through all of us. People receive ministry from the Word that is preached, the songs that are sung and encouragement by fellow believers. Not all ministry is pre planned, but all true ministry is inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit. “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP)

There are times, whether in a service or anytime throughout the week, that people will face a crisis in their lives. These times often lead to seeing that there is need in their lives. This need is salvation through Jesus Christ and support by His followers. We must always be ready to share God’s love. "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35 NIV) We who have experienced the love and deliverance from Jesus can best share it with others. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP)

What I remember most about my hospital stay this summer is not the fancy equipment or nice rooms. The memories that stand out most are of the great care I received and genuinely concerned people I encountered. They all have impacted my healing with skill and kindness.

What will people most remember about your body of believers? Be involved in bringing healing to all who enter your group. If you are hurting or in crisis go to receive the love of God from His followers. Together all will be stronger.