The Scripture records two times when someone asked Jesus the question, “Don’t you care?” The first took place on the Sea of Galilee when an angry squall came up. Waves began to break over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. During all of this Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the back of the boat. The disciples woke Him. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus “got up…and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ …and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:38-39).
Did Jesus not care when the storm was raging? Of course He did. It’s just that He knew all along that they would safely reach the other side. But only when the disciples could see the evidence were they at peace that everything was going to be alright.
The second time we read the words “Don’t you care?” occurred when Jesus was at the home of Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings, while Martha labored in the kitchen. Finally in utter frustration, Martha came to Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (Luke 10:40). Jesus answered by giving Martha a new perspective. He said Mary had made the better choice—that heart devotion to the Lord pleases Him more than sacrificial work.
God cares, we care!
“Lord, don’t You care?” We ask those words when we’re in a situation where we can see no logical explanation. And the answer? Yes, God does care. Psalm 95 says, “For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:7).
The followers of Jesus who have experienced God’s gracious care need to be certain that when that question is asked of us, we can show that we do care. One of the ways Seventh-day Adventists can do that is through our medical work. From the beginning of our denomination, we have seen the care of the sick and hurting as a vital part of our mission. There are no strings attached to the care our hospitals offer. The healing ministry of Christ is extended to all, no matter if they have faith or financial means. I have seen this commitment at work in our local AdventHealth facilities in the Kansas City area (see Deanne’s story across the page).
At AdventHealth hospitals you will find whole-person care, dedicated teams and staff, and a wide variety of medical services. Patients receive expert medical care, are guided by a patient advocate and always have the option to speak with a hospital chaplain.
As a member of the board at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission for the past 17 years, I can attest to the reality of AdventHealth’s sincere commitment to extending the healing ministry of Christ in their community. I witness, first hand, hospital leadership wresting with the complicated challenges of relevant health care while never forgetting they are a Seventh-day Adventist institution.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we too should be dedicated to extending the healing ministry of Christ. Whenever someone is in a storm that looks like it’s going to do them in and no one seems to care, may they realize through us–doing what we can, where we are—that God does see and care. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).
[SIDEBAR]
AdventHealth Cares
Just as you’re always striving to help the people you care about, AdventHealth team members are always working to enhance the lives of those in their communities. That’s why AdventHealth Shawnee Mission hospital offers free services like healthcare education, special clinical and non-clinical programs, and free or low-cost classes and support groups.
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