The Disabled Viewing Area

A few years ago, on a trip to Florida, we spent a day at Universal Studios. We decided to stay and watch the 10 p.m. parade that basically closes down the park. For the most part, people just sit down on the edge of the sidewalk to watch the parade. A lucky few, who get their spots really early, sit at the outdoor terraces of some of the cafes and restaurants. However there are several areas that are roped off, and designated as “Disabled Viewing Areas” - giving those who are in wheelchairs a chance to get close to the parade. Due to my recent knee surgery, I was in a wheelchair, and so I was eligible to sit in one of these areas. About 45 minutes before the parade, I was wheeled up to the area, and my wheelchair “parked” on the street, with the back wheels touching the sidewalk. I was at the end of a row of about 15 wheelchairs, and then there was another row of wheelchairs right behind me, up on the sidewalk. There were all sorts of different people in those wheelchairs - young, old, black, white, men, women , some with very obvious disabilities, some with minor disabilities…….but all with one commonality - some sort of a disability.
I’ll be honest - I wasn’t all that happy about sitting there. It was a hard thing for me to so publicly announce that I am not strong, independent and self-sufficient. I would have much preferred to be sitting across the street with all the “normal folk” - blending in with the crowd, problem free.

As I sat and looked down that row of wheelchairs, the thought occurred to me - “I wonder if this is what the streets looked like when Jesus was coming into a town”? Rows of people, not looking for a parade, but desperate for His healing touch. Then I started wondering what would happen if, instead of the parade coming around the corner there on Hollywood Blvd., Jesus came around the corner? No spotlights or strobe lights, no marching bands, no floats or streamers or performers in dazzling costumes. Just Jesus. Dressed the same as everyone else, on foot, slowly walking up the street. Would we recognize Him for who He really is? Would we welcome Him? Or would the crowd begin to boo and hiss - preferring the “big show” to the humble servant? Maybe the crowd would be split - those of us in the “Disabled” area calling Him to come to us, to touch us, to heal us, while the people on the other side of the street called for the parade. The thing is, both sides of the street equally need Jesus’ healing touch. The difference is that those in the “Disabled” area can’t hide their needs - they’re pretty obvious. Those on the other side of the street are pretty adept at hiding their needs - covering their hurting hearts and scarred souls with all sorts of masks. But whether the needs are masked or out in plain sight, the good news is that Jesus not only sees our needs, but he also comes right to where we are, revealing to us exactly what our needs are, and then meeting those needs. In doing so, he does for us what we could never do for ourselves - He moves us out of the “Disabled Viewing Area” and raises us up and seats us with Himself in the heavenly realms (Eph.2:6). Which, in the end, is definitely the best seat in the house!