In Quest of Usefulness

      For many years Mr. H. has played a key role in keeping the ministry going in the small Monzen church, speaking two or more Sundays a month and writing a monthly Bible study and news letter. (The church does not have a pastor.) He especially enjoys writing for the Lord, and has been looking forward to retirement so that he can do such even more. (On average, more Japanese people love to read and write, than Americans.)

     Then, three years ago, dear brother H. suffered a brain hemorrhage which left him paralyzed on one side, and even adversely effected his eyesight. He is, of course, no long able to work; but, worst of all, he is unable to write much, at least not, by himself like he did before. Thus, I have been praying that somehow, someway, his ministry might be restored, at least in part. 

      As I was preparing to speak at the Monzen church last week, the Lord gave me an idea.  Why not develop, along with Mr. H., a set of "In Quest Bible Studies"* based on the many questions* in Bible passages having to do with disease, physical disabilities, and divine healing? Such passages are numerous, but often neglected in conservative, evangelical circles because of how they are abused by some charismatic groups. Yet, the message of divine care and hope found in such texts is as much needed today as in biblical times. This set could be titled "In Quest of Usefulness" or "In Quest of Healing."

      Therefore, after church last Sunday I asked Mr. H. what he thought of the idea.  Not only was he very positive about it, but he also named several passages he thought should be studied, including the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9, 16, and 19. (I had not thought of that one.) So, though it may take a year or two to develop this set of Bible studies enough for it to be passed on to others, we have already started in a small way. May the Lord be pleased to restore, and even magnify, Mr. H.'s usefulness for the Lord through this project, despite his weakness (2 Cor. 12:10)! Mrs. H. is also a believer and undoubtedly will be helping, too, though her health (heart) likewise is not especially good. Perhaps you also would like to help. What Bible passages on this subject, which also contain questions, would you suggest? 

* In Quest Bible Studies" is our ongoing series of expository, and in some cases topical, Bible studies focused on questions in the Bible itself, rather than questions that people have about the Bible. Our main project for the past year has been on Questions in John. 

    Though we are copyrighting this "In Quest" material to protect it from abuse, we certainly also wish to share it and cooperate with others in its development.