The Recent bill on National Health-care signed into law has out nation abuzz with comments.  Let's take a look at health-care from a divine perspective:

In a recent editorial, researcher George Barna pointed out the prevalance and concern for the health-care debate among Americans.  As an issue which particularly addresses the needs of those not covered ("the disadvantaged"), it tends to polarize opinions and reveal traits about people.  In short, it seems American want the Government to increase services, deliver them more efficiently, while not increasing taxes.  When it comes to the disadvantaged, the average American sees poverty as a significant social issue, but one which they were unable to change.  What's more, most believe the government is responsible to care for the disadvantaged and feel no personal responsibility beyond making donations such as food & clothing to charities that take care of the poor.

Barna points out the fact that Jesus had a "divine health-care strategy."  Our Savior's primary purpose in coming was to die on the cross so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16); however, while Jesus was carrying out his ministry, he demonstrated Godly compassion for those in need of care.  The Gospel of Luke was the basis of Barna's editorial remarks and is of particular interest as Luke was a physician who would have paid attention to how Jesus took care of people and met medical needs.  Rather than rely on the government to meet the needs of the disadvantaged, Jesus modeled good health-care by being personally invested and involved.  The biblical model is one where we are responsible to care for our fellow human beings.  Barna points out 7 underlying principles to Jesus' Health-care Strategy:

1. Jesus healed people because he believed that good health-care matters
2. He invested Himself in their healing because He loved and cared for people
3. He healed everyone who presented a medical need because He saw no need to screen out someone as unqualified
4. He healed every kind of illness he encountered; no condition was too small (such as a fever) or too complex (leprosy and even death!)
5. He pursued people and met their needs because He saw Himself as a servant
6. Jesus allowed people to interrupt his schedule because he knew that their suffering and pain had become their top focus in life.
7. Jesus expected his closest followers to heal others

Jesus' Divine Health-care Strategy was all-encompassing, met the needs of everyone, and is a simple, yet effective strategy we do well to learn.  His strategy was to help...

1. Whoever needed it
2. Whatever affliction they suffered from
3. Whenever the opportunity arose
4. Wherever they happened to be

In short, Jesus' example of good health-care is one of personal responsibility.  As our nation considers a "public option" for health-care, how will we take personal responsibility to care for others like our Lord Jesus who said "follow me"?

 For Barna's full editorial, follow this link:  http://www.barna.org/component/wordpress/archives/70