Gladness runs through the text. Leaping and singing are expressions
of joy. The blessings of salvation find the soul in the condition of
a traveller in the sandy desert, weary, footsore, lame, and silent,
who unexpectedly finds a springing well, and begins to talk, and
sing, and leap for joy. Joy arises in the heart--1. _From the supply
of a conscious need._ Imagine the joy of those whom Christ healed,
when the blind saw the light and became interested in the objects
around him, when the deaf heard the sound of the human voice, when
the dumb was able to make himself understood, when the lame recovered
the use of his limbs. What joy was brought into many a home! And when
He comes to the heart with His forgiving, cleansing, healing love,
what gladness He brings! It is the beginning of days. It is the
enjoyment of life. Christians have sources of happiness of which the
world knows nothing. "Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of
glory" (H. E. I. 3041). 2. _From the manifestation of a compassionate
Saviour._ His healing miracles illustrate His character. Beneficence,
tender sympathy with human suffering, love to man marked His steps.
It brought Him down from heaven. It nailed Him to the cross. And He
is still the same. He is personally interested in His people
(H. E. I. 952-957). He is the object of Divine love, and therefore
joy. 3. _From the satisfaction of settled faith._ Faith connects the
soul with Him. But it is often assailed. It needs support even where
it exists. The disciples sometimes wavered, then some new
confirmation was afforded. John the Baptist in prison doubted,
therefore received the message (Matt. xi. 4-6). Jesus uses His
miracles in evidence. Nor must we surrender their evidential power.
And there is the confirmatory evidence of expression. This is always
fresh.
1. This subject calls for grateful love. Give evidence of your cure
by getting the spirit of Christ's compassionate love, and by using
His instruments for the cure of others. 2. You too are still in the
power of the disease; come to Him for healing.--_J. Rawlinson._