Hope in Hard Times - God's Answer to the Health-care Crisis

Recently, while I was working with a group of graduate theological students, the question was raised within the context of a discussion on social justice and civil rights, as to whether anyone in the group had recently heard a sermon dealing with the current health-care crisis facing our nation. In the room there was silence – none could point to having heard- or having preached - such a sermon. This is particularly interesting in light of the constant news coverage focusing on the struggles facing President Barack Obama and his administration in moving forward with a comprehensive plan to reform our nation’s health-care system and provide access to coverage for the more than 45 million Americans who do not now have adequate coverage – most of whom are women and children – and the majority of whom are brown and black persons living in urban areas.

The response of this group of students led me to wonder what God has to say about the current health-care crisis facing us. In the 7th century B.C.E., the Prophet Jeremiah posed a series of questions to the Israelites: “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?” (Jeremiah 8:22)

Jeremiah's questions were raised in light of the experience of exile and pain among the people of Israel. The region of Gilead was known for producing a healing balm. This balm was known for its medicinal powers. When people were hurting, they would seek out the balm from Gilead, for it was like no other in its ability to facilitate healing. The balm from Gilead was considered to be a miracle cure, and if it couldn’t heal one’s wounds, there was perhaps nothing that would.

Jeremiah spoke to the Israelites who found themselves dealing with brokenness and alienation from God, brokenness and alienation from their land, brokenness and alienation from their possessions, and brokenness and alienation from one another. And the questions that the prophet poses in light of this serve as a reminder of God’s will of mercy and justice among God’s people.

Later in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet again offers a reminder of God’s will. Jeremiah says “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare…” “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:7, 11(NRSV)

Jeremiah’s reminder of God’s will for the welfare of those in the city (and the suburbs and rural areas) has significance for the church and society today. For “welfare” in the context in which Jeremiah speaks on behalf of God, has broader connotations. It speaks to wholeness, wellness, peace (shalom), health and healing (and by extension health-care). Indeed, it is clear that God wills for the health(care) of God’s people.

Today, a number of coalitions of faith-based groups have begun to organize their efforts in attempts to speak to concerns around the health-care crisis among those in the religious community. The Washington Post reports (July 25, 2009) that one coalition has been organized by Sojourners and has provided a guide for leaders and members of congregations, which uses biblical teachings to make the point that the nation’s health-care system is un urgent need of repair. “A Guide to the Health Care Reform Debate” shares that “The Bible does not outline specific policies around the provision of health-care, but it does make clear that protecting the health of each human being is a profoundly important personal and communal responsibility for people of faith… Physical healing was a part of the salvation Jesus brought … Healings represent a sign of the breaking of God’s reign into the present reality. "

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that “true peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. May God inspire us to speak and act with justice in light of those who are broken, hurt and in need of healing among us.