As Martin sat down he saw Peter and John passing around large serving plates that looked and smelled delicious. Martin suddenly realized he was starving. As they ate, Peter shared stories of the people they had met and the healing he had witnessed. Martin had never heard such incredible stories. He listened intently trying to remember every detail.
"Jesus, may I ask you a question now?" Martin inquired.
"What are you wondering Martin?"
"Which of these healings do you consider the greatest?"
"That is a good question Martin," Jesus said. "The greatest healing is to transform a person's heart. Each of you sitting at this table has the power to perform this action. As an extension of the Father's love, He has allowed me to perform some physical healing. Everyone takes notice of this, but I tell you these are not the greatest. The greatest are those that occur inside a person's heart. A heart that is cold and hardened with sin risks being eternally separated from the Father. A heart that allows God's love to nourish and energize it, begins to embrace the very breath of God-His Holy Spirit. A heart that is obedient and inspired by the Holy Spirit will live forever in God's Kingdom.
A physical healing is amazing to those whose focus is on this life, but greater than this life, is God's Kingdom. The Father grants many miracles before a life ends here on earth. Often people pray for their loved ones to be healed, and when a person passes from this life, they think the Father did not answer their prayer. People don't realize that the Father who is so good and generous grants the greater healing--the healing of the person's soul. The body was never meant to last forever, but the soul was always intended to love an eternity with the Father. Sometimes people are blind to God's miracles because they see only the physical limitations of this world. God's vision is greater and is not limited by this moment in time. If you could see with your eyes what awaited you in heaven, you would want your soul to be healed more than anything.
Martin I know your heart is very loyal and trusting. You have guarded your heart against the evils of this world. This is wonderful and your family has learned so much from you. Now you must take your deep love for the Father and share it with everyone. Share this love even with those who are underserving, transforming their hearts will be a great healing. And do not be discouraged if no one will notices your healing words and actions in this world, because in God's Kingdom, no one will be able to stop talking about it. Every soul that turns back to God and is saved, is a cause of great rejoicing in the Kingdom."
Jesus' words touched Martin's heart deeply. As the evening continued, Martin did his best to absorb the wisdom of Jesus' teachings. Jesus' words were like fire to Martin consuming worldly ideas and replacing them with a torch burning for God and His Kingdom. Martin had never met anyone who spoke such Truth.
When the dinner ended and Jesus and his friends rose to leave, Martin felt a deep sadness. Now that he had met Jesus, he could not see living his life without Him. Jesus knew Martin's thoughts and he said, "I am counting on you to help me establish the Kingdom. Remember my words, share the Father's love, and help Zaccheaus. He will need you. I cannot stay, but soon the Holy Spirit will be sent to dwell within you. Embrace the Holy Spirit, Martin, and one day we will continue this dinner in the Kingdom."
Martin embraced Jesus and promised, "I will remain faithful, you have my word." Jesus smiled at Martin, and it was this smile that Martin carried with him for the rest of his days.
-Susan
