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HEALING

When the Lord Jesus commissioned the twelve, giving them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1), He sent them out primarily to proclaim the kingdom of God. Casting out demons and curing diseases by the disciples’ hands were performed merely to substantiate and authenticate who they were as Christ’s representatives. They could not do otherwise unless the Lord Christ Himself had given them that authority and power. Jesus performed these miracles, and thus, His true disciples did as well. It was necessary prior to Christ’s going to the cross because until He ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit would not be sent. Even after the Day of Pentecost, miracles and mighty signs and wonders were a part of the apostles’ ministry, according to the book of Acts. This occurred for the same reasons Jesus gave the twelve this power and authority during His earthly ministry; it established and authenticated their ministries and missions while the New Testament canon was being written. Once the New Testament was complete, however, we saw the steady decline of miracles and mighty wonders. Does God still heal today? Of course, He does. Every cure and healing occurs by the grace of God, whether it comes about by miracle, medicine, or medical practitioner. Sadly, today, too many people, even professing Christians, want to place an emphasis upon cures rather than the Christ; upon remedies rather than the Redeemer of souls; upon miracles rather than the Messiah; upon healing rather than upon the Holy One of Israel. This, my friends, ought not so to be. Every sickness, every diseased situation, and every death exists as a reminder of the curse upon our mortal bodies because of Adam’s disobedience; and it testifies that we still need to cling to Jesus and His eternal gospel for life and look with hope for His return to set all things right. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Folks get sick and we do still pray
For healing from our Lord;
Most important then, and today:
Christ’s gospel from God’s Word.

Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)

11/25 Reading Portions: 1 Chronicles 21; 1 Peter 2; Jonah 4; Luke 9