All the Synoptic Gospels report that Jesus affirmed that sick people have need of physicians (Matt. 9:12; Mk. 2:17; Lk. 5:31). Through the experience of helping my sister with a recent surgery that she had to have, I have a greater appreciation for dedicated doctors and other medical caregivers.
Recently, my sister suffered an accidental orbital fracture to her left eye. She had to have surgery to repair the damage. The surgeon commented something to the effect that her fracture was an extensive one.
I drove my sister from Cookeville, TN, where she lives, to the surgical clinic in Nashville where she had her surgery. The Lord mercifully allowed her surgery to go well, and we were all very grateful when we were able to see her in the recovery room.
For the next 48 or so hours, she needed considerable help with her post-operative care. For the first twelve or so hours, she needed assistance with walking and moving around the house because of the aftereffects of the anesthesia that she had received.
To reduce the swelling, frozen peas in snack-pack sized Ziploc-type bags had to be continually kept over wet, cold compresses placed over her eye. The compress had to be changed whenever it was no longer wet and cold, which typically took around 30 minutes or so. In addition, drops had to be placed in her eye four times a day and antibiotic ointment applied three times a day to the area immediately by the outer corner of her eye.
For various reasons, I ended up being the one who did most of the work of changing her compresses and applying the drops and the ointment. Doing so, I had a small taste of what many medical personnel routinely have to do in providing necessary care for those who are sick.
I thank God for the wonderful work that millions of dedicated medical personnel do in caring for those who have need of a physician! May God richly reward each one for his labor:
Psa 41:1 <To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.> Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
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