Like me, you’re probably no stranger to trouble and conflict. You’re probably no stranger to the desire for healing as well. Most of us almost constantly seek healing for our lives. Whether it’s a cancer diagnosis, pain in our bodies, broken marriages, wayward children, splitting churches, mourning communities, or even a divided nation, we are a people in need of healing.
But what if I told you in our need for healing, we tend to overlook the healer? What if our version of Jesus is so short-sighted that we are missing much of who he is? What if no matter how desperate we are for healing, our need goes far beyond just the Jesus who heals our ailments? What if he offers so much more? Is there a purpose in pain? Is it possible that we have much to learn while we wait on the Lord?
If you are like me, your first response may go something a little like this: “Of course, of course. Jesus is so much more than a healer. He is wonderful, He is love, He is God, He is (insert more Sunday school answers here). He is a good God. But all of that is exactly why he wants to relieve all my pain. So can we get back to the healing part now?”
Does this response ring true for you? I’ll admit, that’s the way my mind works sometimes. And I think if you get brutally honest, maybe yours does too.
In the midst of genuine cries for healing, we tend to miss the healer. We plead for the gift, content to overlook the giver.
When we think about healing there are lots of questions that could come up.
We need a safe space to ask hard questions about healing because true growth and understanding occur when we confront the uncomfortable truths that lie within us. We must actively seek answers to the hard questions about healing, for it is in finding these answers that we cultivate the wisdom, strength, and resilience needed to journey towards true healing and transformation.
Think about this for a moment. There are people in this world who are right now not experiencing the healing they desperately desire. Is God still good? Is there hope to be had while they wait for a breakthrough? Or imagine those living in poverty right now. You could say they need healing financially. At least that’s what faith healers might say they need. Can their hope still thrive and their eyes look to heaven for provision? Didn’t Jesus show a deep and tender care for the poor?
To complicate matters, revivalists tout healing ministries that promise signs and wonders to all who believe or give their best offerings. Mystics travel the world seeking relief for every ailment under the sun, and millions of desperate souls need only one or two clicks before their smart phones deliver promises of health and wealth from polished televangelists. Everyone is vying for their healing piece of the action. In much of this, Jesus is little more than a product being marketed, and he is known only for one thing – healing!
If we are healed, is there not more to know, more to do, and more glorious challenges and victories? I want to show you that there is so much more in store for you in Jesus.
We need to wake up and see Jesus for who he truly is and get a fuller sense of what it means to love him no matter what we’re going through. Whether we experience healing right now , in the years ahead, or at Heaven’s gates, Jesus is more than enough for you and me.
Can we ever have enough of Jesus? If we think we can, we ought to think again.
It was Spurgeon who said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” Those words are a fitting place to begin. Let’s discover more than the Jesus you and I want. Let’s discover the Jesus we need.
[Tell the story of my dad and cancer]
Christians have at one point or another believed the lie that God is good when things are good and that he is punishing them when things are not. We may believe that because we are Christians, God owes us a healthy and happy life and must heal us on request. Perhaps no other experience in our lives eposes how we really think about Jesus like sickness does. Everybody struggles with viewing Jesus in transactional ways.
If my dad’s cancer has taught us anything, it is that God owes us nothing. His grace doesn’t guarantee healing, and it doesn’t guarantee a perfect life.
Some people believe that sickness is a divine consequence based on different theological reasoning:
1. The concept of divine justice: According to this view, sickness can be seen as a result of human sin and disobedience. It is believed that God, in His justice, may bring sickness upon individuals or communities as a consequence of their actions. This perspective finds support in biblical passages that describe instances where God afflicts individuals or nations due to their disobedience or moral failures.
2. The testing of faith: Another perspective suggests that God may allow sickness as a means of testing and refining an individual's faith. By going through sickness, believers may be strengthened, grow in their relationship with God, and demonstrate their commitment to Him. The story of Job in the Bible is often referenced to support this viewpoint.
On the other hand, many religious traditions and theological perspectives offer alternative interpretations regarding sickness:
1. The fallen nature of the world: Some argue that sickness is a consequence of living in a fallen and imperfect world. As a result of human sin and the brokenness that entered creation, sickness and suffering became inherent elements of human existence. This perspective emphasizes that God does not directly cause sickness as a punishment but allows humans to experience the natural consequences of living in a fallen world.
2. Compassion and healing: Many religious teachings emphasize the compassion of God and the importance of healing. Numerous scriptures and stories illustrate God's care for the sick and His desire to bring restoration and well-being to His creation. This perspective suggests that God works to alleviate suffering and provides avenues for healing rather than inflicting sickness as a divine consequence.
In the healing debate one extreme is that It’s always God’s will to heal right now.
The belief that it is always God's will to heal right now is held by some individuals and faith traditions, often based on their interpretation of certain scriptures and their understanding of God's character. This perspective asserts that God desires immediate healing for every person and that it is within His nature to provide instantaneous restoration and well-being.
Advocates of this belief offer various scriptural references to support their position:
1. Exodus 15:26 - "I am the Lord, who heals you." This verse is often invoked to emphasize God's role as a healer and to affirm that healing is part of His divine nature.
2. Matthew 8:16-17 - "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'" This passage is interpreted by some proponents as evidence that Jesus's healing ministry demonstrates God's desire to alleviate human suffering and bring immediate healing to all who seek it.
3. James 5:15 - "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." This verse is often cited to affirm the power of faith-filled prayers for healing and to promote the understanding that God's will is always for immediate healing.
However, it is important to note that within religious and theological discourse, different perspectives exist regarding the timing and manner of healing:
1. God's sovereign will: Some argue that while God can and does heal miraculously, His will regarding healing may not always align with human desires for immediate or complete healing in this earthly life. They suggest that God's overarching plan and purposes may involve a broader perspective that extends beyond individual physical healing.
2. Mysterious ways of God: Some believers hold that God's ways are ultimately inscrutable to human understanding and that divine healing may not always manifest in the ways or timeframe that humans anticipate. They place emphasis on trusting God's wisdom and sovereignty, even in the face of unanswered prayers for immediate healing.
Another extreme is that Jesus doesn’t heal at all.
The statement that "Jesus doesn't heal at all" contradicts the biblical accounts, which consistently depict Jesus as a powerful healer during His earthly ministry. The New Testament provides numerous instances of Jesus healing various physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. These accounts highlight His compassion, love, and authority to bring about healing and restoration.
Consider the following aspects when examining Jesus' healing ministry:
1. Gospel narratives: The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, collectively provide a comprehensive record of Jesus' life, teachings, and miracles. Throughout these accounts, many instances emerge where Jesus heals individuals suffering from blindness, deafness, paralysis, leprosy, and other diseases. Some notable examples include the healing of the leper in Matthew 8:1-4, the blind man in John 9:1-12, and the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:24-34.
2. Demonstrating divine power: Jesus' healing acts exemplify His divine authority and power. In numerous instances, Jesus explicitly attributes the healing to His own power or the power of God working through Him. For instance, in Mark 1:40-42, Jesus heals a leper and says, "I am willing. Be clean!" This indicates that Jesus both possessed the ability to heal and had the desire to do so.
3. Fulfillment of prophetic promises: The Gospels often highlight how Jesus' healing ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Matthew 8:16-17, for example, links Jesus' healing miracles to the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4, which refers to the Messiah bearing the sins and sicknesses of humanity.
4. Setting an example for believers: Jesus' healing ministry served as a model for His followers to imitate. He empowered His disciples to heal the sick and perform miracles in His name (Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:17-18). The early Christian community also continued this healing ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 3:1-10; Acts 5:12-16).
However, it is important to acknowledge that divine healing does not always occur in the way or timing that humans desire, which can lead some to question the effectiveness of Jesus' healing ministry in contemporary times. Different theological perspectives may offer varying interpretations and understandings of the ongoing role of healing in the present age.
Nevertheless, based on the biblical accounts, it is evident that Jesus was indeed an extraordinary and compassionate healer, offering hope, restoration, and wholeness to those who came to Him in faith. His healing ministry continues to inspire and bring comfort to believers around the world.
God is not limited by the probable, He operates in the realm of the improbable. Our faith is not in a predictable God, but in a God who defies odds, breaks boundaries, and works miracles in the most unlikely situations.
So, we may ask, why do people get sick? This is probably one of the most pressing questions when it comes to healing, and it must be answered by using the Scriptures.
The belief that sickness and death entered the world through the original sin, often associated with the story of Adam and Eve in the biblical book of Genesis, is held by many religious traditions, particularly within Christianity. This doctrine, known as the doctrine of original sin, teaches that humanity's disobedience and fall from grace resulted in the introduction of sin, suffering, and death into the world.
Supporters of this perspective often cite specific passages in the Bible that are interpreted as connecting the consequences of sin with human suffering:
1. Genesis 3:16-19 - After Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God pronounces various consequences, including pain during childbirth, the burden of hard labor for sustenance, and eventual physical death. Many interpret these verses as indicating that suffering and mortality were introduced as a result of humanity's sin.
2. Romans 5:12 - In this passage, the apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned." This verse is often referenced to reinforce the idea that sin and its consequences, including sickness and death, were introduced through the disobedience of Adam.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 - "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." This passage is often interpreted as drawing a parallel between Adam's actions leading to death and Christ's actions bringing salvation and resurrection.
Some emphasize the inherited guilt and depravity of all humanity, asserting that sickness and death are direct consequences of individual and inherited sin. Others may place less emphasis on inherited guilt and focus more on the broader consequences of a fallen world, where suffering and death affect all individuals, regardless of personal sin.
Furthermore, there are differing interpretations of the implications of original sin on divine grace, salvation, and the redemption of humanity through Jesus Christ. These interpretations can greatly impact the way sickness and suffering are understood within theological frameworks.
The belief that sickness and death can strike as a result of our own sin is a perspective held by some individuals and faith traditions, drawing on the idea of personal responsibility and the consequences of individual actions. According to this belief, sickness is seen as a natural consequence or punishment for one's sinful behavior or choices.
Supporters of this perspective may reference certain biblical passages to support their view:
1. Galatians 6:7-8 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." This verse is often cited to highlight the principle of cause and effect, where sinful actions may result in negative consequences, including sickness.
2. Psalm 38:3-8 - In this psalm, the psalmist describes physical sickness as a direct result of their own sin. Verses 3-4 state, "Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear." This passage is sometimes interpreted as linking personal sin with physical illness.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 - Paul admonishes the Corinthians for their improper behavior during the Lord's Supper and warns them of the consequences. He writes, "For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep [died]." Some interpret this passage to suggest that their physical weakness and sickness were due to their sinful practices.
However, it is crucial to note that interpreting sickness solely as a punishment for personal sin raises important theological and pastoral considerations:
1. The wider biblical context: The Bible presents diverse reasons for experiencing sickness, including testing of faith, spiritual growth, the fallen nature of the world, and mysterious purposes known only to God. Other biblical passages emphasize God's compassion, forgiveness, and healing, sometimes unrelated to personal sin.
2. The danger of judgment: Linking sickness exclusively to personal sin can lead to harmful judgments about others' spiritual condition, implying that sickness or disability is a direct result of wrongdoing. This perspective can lack compassion and fail to consider the complexities of human suffering.
3. Individual and systemic factors: While personal sin can have consequences, sickness can also occur due to genetic, environmental, systemic, or unknown reasons. Not all illnesses are linked to personal sin, and it is important to approach sickness with empathy, care, and support instead of making assumptions.
Engaging in discussions surrounding sickness and sin with sensitivity and humility is crucial, considering different biblical perspectives, theological traditions, and the experiences of those who live with illness. Recognizing the complexities of human suffering and the multifaceted nature of God's providence encourages compassion, understanding, and a more holistic approach to these matters.
The belief that sickness and death are not always the result of our personal sin is also a point to be made. John 9:1, in particular, presents a significant example that supports this viewpoint.
In John 9:1-3, Jesus and His disciples encounter a man who was blind from birth. The disciples ask Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" In response, Jesus states, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him."
This passage challenges the notion that all sickness or disability is a direct consequence of personal sin. Instead, Jesus indicates that the man's blindness was not caused by sin, but was an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed through his healing. This suggests that there are circumstances where sickness, disability, or other forms of suffering may have purposes beyond the direct result of sin.
Additionally, throughout the Bible, we find instances where sickness and death are not explicitly tied to personal sin. For example:
1. Job's suffering: The book of Job presents a narrative where Job experiences immense suffering, including physical ailments, without any apparent connection to personal sin. Instead, the story highlights the mystery of suffering and God's sovereignty in the midst of it.
2. Apostle Paul's Thorn in the Flesh: In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul describes a "thorn in the flesh" that he endured, which is often interpreted as some form of physical infirmity. It is not attributed to his own sin, but rather to keep him humble and reliant on God's grace.
It is important to note that while sickness and death are not always directly caused by personal sin, the Bible does acknowledge the link between sin and the fallen nature of the world. The consequences of human sin include the presence of sickness, suffering, and mortality in our lives.
However, it is vital to approach discussions on sickness, death, and sin with sensitivity and avoid making blanket judgments about the reasons behind individual suffering. The diverse experiences of people and the complex nature of human existence call for empathy, compassion, and a recognition that the reasons for sickness and death go far beyond a simple cause-and-effect relationship with personal sin.
God also can use sickness and death for his glory and the good of others.
In the story of Lazarus, a man who found himself in the clutches of sickness and ultimately death. But this story doesn't end in despair and gloom. No, it ends in glory and the revelation of God's great purpose for our lives.
So, Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, becomes gravely ill. Now, this might seem like a tragedy in itself, but hold on just a moment. You see, Jesus purposefully delayed His arrival when He heard about Lazarus' condition. Can you imagine the confusion and disappointment his family must have felt when Jesus seemingly ignored their plea for help? I mean, Jesus, the all-powerful and compassionate Savior, had chosen to wait.
Now, here's the incredible twist in this story: Jesus had a plan - oh, does He always have a plan! He wanted to use Lazarus' illness, yes, even his death, to reveal His glory and the good that can come out of even the darkest situations. Jesus saw the bigger picture, beyond the immediate circumstances, and He knew that this would be an opportunity to display the Father's power in a truly miraculous way.
Finally, after days of anticipation, Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Lazarus had been laid to rest. The sisters, Martha and Mary, are heartbroken, their faces stained with countless tears. They believe that if only He had come sooner, their brother would still be alive. Can you feel the weight of their grief? But Jesus, He's always got something up His sleeve!
With unwavering faith, Jesus instructs them to roll the stone away from the tomb. Picture this: a decaying body, lying lifeless in a tomb for four long days. The stench of death fills the air as Jesus, our Savior, calls out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
And oh, the glory that fills the moment! Lazarus, wrapped in burial linens, shuffles towards the entrance of the tomb. Can you imagine the shock and awe that engulfed everyone present? Joy emerges from the darkest pit of despair as Lazarus walks free, restored to life by the power of God.
Now, here's the takeaway: God used Lazarus' sickness and even his death to declare His glory and to show that there's purpose even in our darkest moments. He demonstrated that His power transcends all boundaries, even those of time and death. God can take what seems like utter devastation and transform it into a testimony of His goodness, grace, and sovereignty.
Listen, right now, you might be facing sickness, despair, or even the tragedy of death in your own life. But I want to encourage you, to never lose hope. God can use every situation, no matter how dire, to reveal His glory and bring about good for others. He has a way of turning our mourning into dancing, our ashes into beauty.
Remember the story of Lazarus and let it inspire you to trust in the unwavering power and wisdom of our Heavenly Father. He can take any circumstance and turn it around for your good and His glory. Hold on tight, for a miracle just might be around the corner.
Is it always God’s will to heal right now?
Well, now we're diving into a topic that can be quite challenging for many to grapple with: the reality that God doesn't heal everyone all the time. It's a difficult concept to understand, but let's explore it together by diving into these powerful biblical passages.
First, let's look at John 5:3-8. Here, we find the story of the pool of Bethesda, where a multitude of sick and disabled people gathered, hoping to be healed. Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, and rather than instantly healing him, Jesus asks a thought-provoking question: "Do you want to get well?" This passage reveals that healing isn't always a matter of mere physical ailment but encompasses our willingness to receive it. It demonstrates that God sees beyond the surface-level issues and addresses the deeper aspects of our lives.
Next, Matthew 13:58 shares a powerful account. Jesus returns to His hometown, where His divine power is overshadowed by the people's lack of faith. As a result, He does not perform many miracles there. This passage highlights the importance of faith and the receptivity of the individual in receiving healing. It suggests that God's healing may be hindered or limited by our lack of belief or openness to His transformative work in our lives.
In Mark 1:38, Jesus tells His disciples that He needs to go to other towns to preach because that is why He came. This verse reveals that Jesus had a greater purpose beyond healing physical ailments. His mission was to bring the good news of salvation and redemption. Although healing is an integral part of Jesus' ministry, it's crucial to remember that His ultimate purpose extends beyond physical restoration to the restoration of our souls.
Moving on to 1 Timothy 5:23, we see a passage where the apostle Paul encourages Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach and frequent illnesses. This verse acknowledges that even the faithful disciples of Christ may experience ongoing physical ailments. It asserts that God's healing may come through means other than immediate supernatural intervention. In this case, the remedy is found in a practical solution.
Lastly, 2 Timothy 4:20 mentions a poignant moment when Paul discusses Trophimus, a companion who had fallen ill and was left behind in Miletus due to his condition. This verse demonstrates that sometimes, despite our prayers and desires for healing, God allows certain individuals to experience lingering illness. It reminds us that God's ways are not always our ways, and His timing and purposes are beyond our understanding.
So, when confronted with the reality that God doesn't heal everyone all the time, we can find solace in the wisdom and teachings found in these passages. They remind us that healing involves more than just physical restoration, that faith and openness play a role in our reception of healing, and that God's plans and purposes extend far beyond our immediate understanding. Although difficult, this reality challenges us to trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God, even when our prayers for healing are not answered in the way we desire.
God also doesn’t heal based solely on one’s faith.
Exploring the concept that God doesn't heal solely based on an individual's faith is important in understanding the complexity of divine healing. Let's dive into these scriptures to gain insight into this topic.
First, we encounter John 5:13. In this passage, Jesus had healed a man who had been sick for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. However, later on, Jesus finds the man again and warns him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” This scripture hints at the idea that personal sin or other factors can contribute to sickness or hinder complete healing. It illustrates that faith alone is not the only factor influencing healing, as other elements like lifestyle and choices can also impact one's well-being.
Now, turning our attention to Luke 5:17-26, we find an extraordinary account of a paralyzed man being lowered through the roof to reach Jesus for healing. What stands out here is that it was not solely the faith of the paralyzed man, but also the faith of his friends who brought him to Jesus. Jesus recognized their faith and declared the man's sins forgiven and healed him. This passage emphasizes the importance of collective faith and the role others can play in someone's healing. It reveals that healing can occur not only through an individual's faith but also through the intercession and faith of others.
Lastly, we come to Luke 8:46, where Jesus feels power go out from Him as a woman touches the hem of His garment, seeking healing from a chronic condition of 12 years. Jesus acknowledges that someone touched Him in faith and declares her healed. What's remarkable about this passage is that the woman's faith alone initiated her healing. Jesus didn't ask her permission nor did He commend her actions for healing to occur. It seems to indicate that faith can be a significant catalyst in the divine healing process.
When we examine these scriptures collectively, we see that faith is one aspect of the healing equation, but it is not the sole determining factor. The Bible shows us that factors such as sin, the faith of others, and God's sovereign will can also contribute to the healing process. It reminds us that healing often operates in a mysterious and multifaceted way – beyond our full comprehension.
Understanding that God doesn't heal solely on an individual's faith invites us to approach healing with humility, recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours. It encourages us to trust in His wisdom, even when healing does not manifest as we hope or expect. Ultimately, our faith remains essential in seeking God's healing, but we must also trust that He knows what is best for us and His plans surpass our understanding.
God doesn’t perform healing for a price.
In Acts 8:9-25, we are introduced to a man named Simon, who was often referred to as Simon the Sorcerer. Simon was known for practicing magic and sorcery to amaze the people of Samaria and gaining a following because of his abilities. However, when Philip, a disciple of Jesus, arrived in Samaria and began preaching and performing miracles in the name of Jesus, the attention quickly shifted from Simon to Philip.
Seeing the miracles Philip performed, Simon was astounded by the power of God. He even declared himself a believer and was baptized, following Philip wherever he went. However, as the story unfolds, we witness Simon's ulterior motives. He offered the apostles money, saying, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19).
In Simon's request, we can observe that he failed to understand the essence of God's healing and the power of the Holy Spirit. He perceived the miracles as a product that could be acquired and used for personal gain. Simon saw an opportunity to elevate his own status, to be seen as someone with power and authority by the people. However, Peter, recognizing Simon's misguided intentions, firmly rebuked him.
The passage serves as a powerful reminder that the work of God cannot be monetized or exploited for personal gain. It highlights the importance of having the right motives when seeking healing or any manifestation of God's power. God's healing is an act of grace, a demonstration of His love and mercy. It cannot be bought, sold, or controlled.
This story also teaches us about the dangers of seeking the power of God for our own selfish purposes. It warns against using religion or spirituality as a means to pursue personal influence, prestige, or financial gain. God's power and healing should always be sought with a heart of genuine faith, humility, and love for others.
As believers, it is essential to remember that God's healing and miracles are not transactional. They are gifts freely given by His grace. Our role is to have faith, trust in His sovereignty, and humbly submit ourselves to His will. We should never approach God with ulterior motives or seek to manipulate His power for personal gain.
Acts 8:9-25 serves as a reminder to us all that God's healing is not for sale, for it comes from a place of love, compassion, and grace. It is a call to approach God with genuine humility and submission, seeking His will above our own desires.
And finally, God will heal all believers in heaven.
The topic of God's ultimate healing for believers in heaven is a source of great comfort and hope for Christians. Throughout the Bible, we find several scriptures that assure us of God's promise to bring complete healing and restoration to His people in eternity. Let's explore some of these scriptural references:
1. Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This verse depicts the future state of believers in heaven, where all sorrows and sufferings will cease. It assures us that God will personally wipe away every tear, signifying His complete healing and restoration.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." This passage speaks of the transformation that will occur when believers are raised to eternal life. Our mortal bodies, subject to decay and illness, will be replaced with imperishable, glorified bodies. This is a promise of complete physical healing.
3. Isaiah 35:5-6 - "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy." Isaiah prophesies about the coming of the kingdom of God, where miraculous healing will take place. While this passage may refer to the present age, it also foreshadows the ultimate healing that believers will experience in heaven.
4. Philippians 3:20-21 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." This verse reiterates the promise of transformation and renewal for believers. Jesus, through His power, will transform our bodies to be like His resurrected and glorified body.
5. Revelation 22:2 - "On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." In the description of the new heaven and earth, we see the presence of the tree of life. Its leaves are said to bring healing to the nations, symbolizing the complete healing and restoration that believers will experience in the eternal kingdom.
These scriptural references assure us that God's healing is not limited to this temporal life but extends to the eternal realm. In heaven, believers will be completely healed, both physically and spiritually. It is a promise we can hold onto with great hope, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word.
What about you? What are you going through? Are you seeking to find Jesus and know him better, even in the midst of your trials? Do you know that Jesus is not only just a healer? I’m sure you probably do but it is easy to forget isn’t it? That’s true for even me! I can quickly get caught up in what I want and my own suffering that I begin to neglect and even forget who Jesus is. So together, let’s discover the rest of Jesus, the Jesus who is much more than a healer.
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