The Cure

I could feel it. The lethal virus that threatened humanity coursed through my veins. My chest tightened, making it difficult to breathe. It would only be a matter of time before the virus wormed its way into my heart and successfully shut down my body for good. I knew my days were numbered. I sensed the sickness seeping into my mind and polluting my innermost being. I couldn’t bring myself to accept it, but what choice did I have? My fate was sealed. There was no cure. I sank to the ground, crippled by despair. It was there that He found me. A Stranger knelt beside me. With a gentle touch, He raised my head and said, “Would you like to be made well?” I laughed bitterly. “That is impossible. There is no cure.” “I am the cure,” He replied. “What could He possibly gain from such an outrageous claim?” I wondered. “You were born with the virus embedded within you,” He said. “It cannot be removed by human means, but there is a way you can be free. My blood is clean, untouched by this disease. It will overpower the virus and heal you from all its effects. I offer it freely. It is yours to take, if you choose.” “Mine to take?” I thought. “Surely there was something more I must do to earn such treatment.” He seemed to know my thoughts as He said, “I want to help you. That’s why I came. I gave my own blood so that you could live. All you have to do is be willing to receive my offer.” I knew then what He said was true, and I sprang up, stretching out my arms, ready to receive. Then He lifted His hands they were bleeding. He winced in pain as He sprinkled His own blood on me. I stared in disbelief, then my aching body was suddenly filled with warmth. A steady flow of strength and life radiated throughout my entire body. I could feel the darkest parts of my mind becoming clean, new. This bleeding Stranger defeated the virus in me once and for all. I was cured. I looked up at Him in amazement, and He smiled. “Follow me.” • Deami O. • Today’s story is an allegory. Sin is like a deadly disease that has been passed down since the first humans went against God, bringing death, sickness, and brokenness into God’s good world. Sin separates us from God, who is the author of all goodness. But God doesn’t want us to be separated from Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, who willingly died and rose again to provide us with a cure. Have you received His new life? (If you’re not sure, check out our “Know Jesus” page.) “I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b (NIV)