I once went to an Anglican healing service in the early 80’s. There was a woman there that wore hearing aids. She went to the altar for prayer. Her hearing was restored and she no longer needed the hearing aids. Her priest and I were talking about it – me, I thought it was amazing, wonderful and exciting! He said this, “well, if she thinks that she is healed, than that is all that matters.”
If doubt is where we start, then we need to look at the word of God. How is it that we can go out into all the world with the Gospel, and God will do nothing? Is Christianity only about getting folks past the sinner’s prayer, or become members at a social club of like minded folks? I think not! Salvation by faith is the doorway to the Kingdom. The purpose of Christianity is to advance the Kingdom, not just add new converts.
Jesus said that we should pray like this: Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
My question is this, if there is no sickness in Heaven, than why don’t we believe that we need to pray that it is so on earth as it is in Heaven?
As born again spirit-filled Christians we have access to the gifts of healing (1 Corinthians 12:9) which are part of the Kingdom inheritance we have here on earth. We have been sent, (Matthew 28:16), and given power (Matthew 10:1). Is there something I am missing? Well other than the fact that we need to get out there and do it. God gave the ministry of healing to you and me. Those that got healed in the Bible “went” to Jesus.
And in case you think it was just the apostles and Jesus doing the work – that’s not true.
Luke 10:1,9,17: After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. [Jesus said] Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.
In Mark 9:38-40, the apostles were upset because they saw a man who was not an “apostle” casting out demons in Jesus' Name. But Jesus told them not to stop them.
The purpose of healing is not just for healing, but it is meant as a sign to prove that God is real and the word of God is true – even the parts that can’t be proven here and now. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is at hand, that means that we should be able to connect with it here on earth in some of the ways that we can in Heaven – “as it is in Heaven.” And I would add if we are not, then we need to look at where our faith is.
John 14:11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
How can we disobey God by not believing in the miracles and the healing, and still say that we love Him?
Jesus did not withhold healing from those that asked for it. He healed them all (Matthew 4:23-24) (Matthew 8:16) (Matthew 9:35) (Matthew 12:15) (Matthew 14:14) (Matthew 14:35-36) (Matthew 15:30) (Matthew 19:2) (Matthew 21:14) and He still doesn’t.
I do hope that you are thinking differently about healing. Remember that healing is a ministry – a set of gifts given to you and me to share lavishly on those that we love (which is everyone). It is your responsibility to get with God, and pray, dig in to the Scriptures, and find some sick folks.
John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
I often think about this. If no one prays for the healing of the sick, then no one can get healed. Then I think about the healing that I have seen at my own hand, and even more so at the hand of others. I was once at a meeting in Virginia, and there were 3 reporters there. They intended to expose the "false" faith healer. There was a man there the first night, he was scheduled the next day for a lung transplant. It was obvious he was scared - but he received prayer. Shortly after he jumped from his chair and shouted, "I'm healed." The minister had him run laps around the sanctuary, which he did. The audience stood and cheered.
The reporters, a writer, a photographer, and a cameraman were all saved during the meeting! "At least believe the miracles!"
The next night a little girl deaf from birth (her whole family got up to testify to the fact) had her hearing restored. She was talking on a cell phone with th minister. She kept holding the phone n from of her with a puzzled look - what is this strange thing happening? She said her first word in response to the question, "who has healed you?'
"Jesus!" she said.
1 comment:
I think the reason we don't see healing en mass this day and age is people are afraid to act on healing another for fear of failure. Another possibility is that God did not feel the person trying to heal did not have the special connection and faith to heal another.
People can earnestly desire the gift of healing but it is up to God or the Holy Spirit to grant that desire and I do think He may be selective.
As an example. I may earnestly desire to be a worship leader and have musical inclination where as another also seeks that same desire and is equal in music inclination but also has the blessing of the Holy Spirit. I would have to conclude that the gifts are awarded due to special circumstances and talents.
Not every one can be a healer, prophet, worship leader, pastor, minister, or prayer leader. Just the ones selected by the Holy Spirit or God's grace.
And to do those miracles, they have to be the most faithful and devout as well as hearing Gods word all the while.
As I had heard from one speaking Gods wisdom recently, it takes practice and patience
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