The Great Physician still works His wonders among the sons of men, and the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations. Your plea for the bass player in your band comes before the mercy seat, and we join with you in beseeching the Lord for his complete restoration. A massive heart attack, the surgeon's knife, a long convalescence, these are severe blows, yet it is written, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Let his heart be turned toward the Healer of hearts, for healing and forgiveness are placed in happy conjunction.
Wonder not if recovery should be slow. As he gains a little strength, and then a little more, let every small advance remind him that the Lord has a new claim upon his affection. In this quiet season, when the bass strings lie silent, the Lord may be teaching him the deeper music of patience and humble dependence. "The rich He has sent away empty," but the poor in spirit are filled with good things. If this affliction empties him of self-reliance and pride, it is a blessed emptying, and the Lord will not despise his broken heart.
Let the Great Physician but speak the healing word, a word of His, recognized as His, coming home to the heart, and head and heart, conscience and affection, shall be restored. The leaves of that celestial tree contain no scant supply; Jesus Christ is full of healing power. I pray that your friend, in this hour of weakness, may find prayer springing from a living, believing, serious heart. And I trust that soon, through God's grace, he shall stand again among the congregation, not to play for vanity, but to magnify the Lord with a renewed spirit. The Lord bless him and keep him.