A Double Vaccination Of Jesus?

A Double Vaccination of Jesus?

Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz

Mark 8:22-26

22 And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. 23 Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” 25 Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. 26 And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

It has been a very long 15 months since the Covid-19 lockdowns occurred. It is great to see the country getting back to a sense of normalcy. A key ingredient to eliminating the pandemic is the second vaccination of two of the three vaccines for Covid-19. The first injection gives a person good protection from the virus. However, the second injection raises the resistance to the virus.

Perhaps the double injection of Jesus is what is missing in today’s churches. How many people say they believe in Jesus? However, their experience is because their parents had them baptized and perhaps confirmed in the church. Perhaps they attended worship now and then, usually Easter and Christmas. So many people who call themselves Christians need that second experience. The church should call upon Jesus to send a second experience to Christians around the world. This experience would undoubtedly change the direction of the dying church into a living, growing church.

How about for yourself? Have you had only one injection of Jesus? Let us ask some questions to determine your vaccination. Maybe first, I should say that a Jesus vaccination protects you from the evils of Satan and sin. It offers protection of body and spirit from the forces of evil. So, it is imperative to have the proper vaccination. It is a necessary component for a soul to travel to the Heavens after life on Earth.

Do you read your Bible regularly, perhaps daily? Do you not only read the Word of the LORD but do whatever you can to understand what the Word means? Do you commune with other believers in Jesus and discuss how you can best serve Jesus? Do you try to serve Jesus through your words and actions? Are you an excellent example of what it means to be called a Christian to your family, friends, and neighbors?

That is a long list of responsibilities, but when you weigh it against what Jesus had to go through to bring forgiveness of sin and salvation for us, it is not that difficult a list. However, if you are not doing the things in the questions, then you may need a second vaccination of Jesus. Several hundred years ago, it was called “being born again.” That term is used today for believers in Christ who believe they had a second heartwarming experience.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once said that he believed in Jesus as the Messiah but did not fully give of himself. One day he found himself on Aldersgate street. He said that his heart was warmed. He believed that he had a born-again experience. After that experience, he dedicated himself entirely to spreading the Gospel of Christ to the world.

Suppose you feel that your belief and faith in Jesus needs a push. In that case, you may need that second experience, that second vaccination of Jesus. Pray to the LORD to visit you and have your heart warmed by the Holy Spirit, just like John Wesley. Wesley called that effect of the Holy Spirit sanctifying grace. Let the Holy Spirit guide and direct you to where the LORD wants you to be. Your journey may take a long time, and it may not. The idea is to let the LORD be in control. Release your life to the LORD’s hands. You will be glad you did.

May the LORD bless you in your learning and studying of His Word.