Tobit is an
unusual book, not widely read. It’s also
one of the so-called apocryphal books that are not universally recognized by
all Christians. The book is probably
best known for the hymn of praise that Tobit sings in chapter 13, but my
reflection today is on chapter 11, which chronicles the restoration of Tobit’s
eyesight from the damage caused by cataracts.
This little
story gives voice to the dramatic possibilities for healing that Jesus offers. Early in the story of Tobit, we learn of
significant despair—Tobit himself feels crushed by the misfortune that he must
endure. In chapter 3, he actually prays
for death. People who have faced great
suffering probably understand what it means to hope for death; the very thought
of continued living in the face of a future full of suffering can be too much
to bear. Tobit’s reversal of fortune and
his healing reminds us to have confidence in God’s providential care; in the
end, God won’t abandon us to unendurable suffering. We are, I think, much like Tobit, and we need
the encouragement that such a story offers.
Psalm 146
underscores the centrality of this healing theme. “The
LORD gives sight to the blind…The LORD raises up those who are bowed down.” (Psalm 146:8).
The Psalm also encourages us to remember Tobit’s reversal and to offer
appropriate praise to the God who cares for us and loves us in the same way
(v2).
Most of the
miracles that Christ performed were the one-on-one variety. Christ usually talked to the person, and He
often physically touched the person. So
why didn't Christ just wave His hand and say, "no more leprosy in
Samaria" or "no more blind beggars in Jerusalem?" There's no question in my mind that Jesus
could’ve done this, so why didn't he?
Maybe it was to give us an example to follow. I know that I often get discouraged when I
look at the problems in the world around me.
These problems are often huge and numerous. I’m small and I'm only one person. What can I do? If I were to approach the problems
instinctively, they would appear hopeless.
That’s not the way that Christ approached it. Following Christ's example, I can speak a
word of encouragement. I can share my
faith with someone whose faith is wavering.
I can be compassionate and hold the hand of someone who is
grieving. I can pray for someone who is
ill. I can smile at the next person I
meet. My prayer is that we can all be
open to being God's tools for performing miracles, giving all of the glory to
Him.
One person
at a time.
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