One of my favorite stories concerns the old country doctor who gave his patient a thorough examination, scratched his head in bewilderment, and asked, "Have you had this before?" When the patient answered, "Yes," the doctor wrinkled his brow and said, "Well, you've got it again."

There's nothing quite so frustrating as a problem that defies diagnosis. What a relief it is to find a skilled practitioner who can say with confidence, "This is your problem and this treatment will help."

Jesus Christ always correctly identified the condition of anyone who came to Him for help. From physically blind Bartimaeus (Mk. 10:46-52) to spiritually blind Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1-21), Jesus put His finger on the person's true need and offered an opportunity to trust Him for the solution.

Ninteenth-century hymnwriter Oscar Clute celebrated this truth in a very personal way as he wrote:

Come and rejoice with me,

I, once so sick at heart,

Have met with One who knows my case,

And knows the healing art.

Jesus Christ is the Great Physician. Whatever our need or difficulty, He invites us to seek Him, believe His diagnosis, accept His prescription, and place ourselves in His wise and loving care. Will you do that with your life today?  — David C. McCasland