Jesus LIVED for me (us)

Based on the loving encouragement of a friend, I began to focus my spiritual "energy" on a study of God's character. What terrific and timely advice it was. One of the books I am reading speaks of how we learn about who God is by paying close attention to who Jesus was. As I began the study I chose to read Matthew first. I am only a few chapters in, but so excited already for the window scripture can give into the amazing heart of God.

As I read in chapter 4 of Matthew, I was touched by a sentence so deeply it has permeated most of my thoughts over the couple days since I read.

23Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.
24The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.

The gift I find in this passage is in the nature of Jesus/God. He healed every kind of disease; they brought to Him ALL who were ill and he healed them. The all-encompassing, acceptance, come-unto-me-heart-of-God. The life change that comes after the healing is HUGE and necessary; but all by itself the loving healing of all diseases (struggles, sins, shortcomings - I read) tells me so much about the heart of my Father God.

I saw a bumper sticker on the way to work this week. It said, "Jesus died for me". To that statement I can truly say amen, I agree, and thankyou Jesus. I can add to it though...Jesus lived for me. His life on this earth was about the cross, but it was also about being with us and showing us how we can live in our world and love everyone in it. It was about showing us on our "turf" who God is and how we can know Him. I have so much to learn about how He lived for me (us) but I am so thankful that in addition to His death, He gives me His life for me to learn about and follow.