There’s a story in the Bible of when Peter was preaching in the home of Cornelius the centurion, a Roman soldier who had 100 soldiers under him. Peter preached this: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil – for God was with him.”
In Matthew 4, there’s the record of how Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of sicknesses and all kinds of diseases among the people. The demon possessed people, the crippled ones, and those who were epileptics were all healed.
In the story told in Matthew 8, a leper came to Jesus and begged, “If you are willing, you can make me clean?” Jesus said, “I am willing. Be cleansed!” And he was.
On that same day, Jesus healed the centurion’s son, and Peter’s mother-in-law, and then in the evening the people brought him many who were demon possessed. Jesus cast out the evil spirits and healed all who were sick.
Jesus made it clear in John 5 that “he could only do what he saw his Father doing.” He said, “I can do nothing of myself.” The life and actions of Jesus expressed the will of the Father. Just think about this for a moment: Jesus’ healing ministry was what the Father wanted him to do.
Today, Jesus can heal you. Jesus can deliver you. Jesus can save you. That is why He came.
Jesus’ final words to his disciples were for them to continue his work. “Go into the whole world and preach the good news. These signs will follow them that believe. In my name they will cast out devils…they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” Jesus was saying, “Go and do what I have been doing.”
In the Old Testament, Jehovah God revealed himself in seven distinct redemptive ways, one of which was the healer. In Exodus 15, he said, “I am Jehovah Rapha – I am the Lord who heals you.” This literally meant, “I am the Lord your physician.” I’m not suggesting we should never use a human doctor — God works through medical people too. But I am saying that Jesus is the greatest and best physician, for whom nothing is impossible.
Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus as a Saviour and Healer in Isaiah 53: “He was wounded for our transgressions…bruised for our iniquities…the chastisement of our peace was upon him…and by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah saw that the coming of Messiah’s work was comprehensive – our transgressions, iniquities, and our sicknesses included. That cross was going to provide the only cure for everything that tormented humankind. That cross would permanently break the devil’s power – and IT DID!
Peter referred to this in 1 Peter 2:24 when he said, “who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree that we having died to sin might live for righteousness – by whose stripes we are healed.” The New Testament apostles understood Isaiah’s words to be a present reality in their time.
Even the Greek word “sozo,” translated salvation, covers sins, sickness and all that would bring mankind into bondage. It means comprehensive deliverance!
Healing scriptures are scattered throughout the Bible.
There are interventions of God that at times literally erased the death sentence brought upon an individual through sickness. There have and always will be incurable illnesses that will only bow to God who has power over all things. SOZO covers it all.
Ephesians 2:8 says, “By faith are you saved (SOZO) through faith. Not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.” Notice the word saved is (SOZO) again.
Everything we receive from God is an action of God’s grace towards us as we place our faith in Him and his promises. There is no credit to us for God’s grace. He does what He does when we place our faith in Him.
Do that for yourself today, no matter what your situation. If sin seems to rage within you, Jesus paid for your freedom long ago. There is no need to continue in a guilt-ridden, empty life.
If you are sick, this applies to you as well. It is by grace you are healed through faith. You can be healed, miraculously or gradually through the intervention of God today. All healing comes from God. All of it!
The New Testament followers of Jesus practiced this.
As Peter and John were going into the temple for prayer they saw a crippled man. Peter looked at him and says, “Look at me…” The beggar expected money, but Peter had what money could not buy. Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!” And he did. Later, Peter said, “Faith in His name (Jesus) has made this man whole.”
God is a healer.
Never forget that. Even though not everyone is healed or saved today, there are so many miraculous healing interventions of God that we cannot ignore or minimize this.
Jesus came to a broken world. He came to broken lives. He directly spoke to the outcasts, the needy, the ignored and marginalized. He respected everyone — and recognized no one by stature, position or title. All who came to him were treated equally.
Today, Jesus can heal you. Jesus can deliver you. Jesus can save you. That is why He came.
Turn your eyes, your faith, and your hope toward Jesus today. Read the stories I’ve listed above to build up your faith and show you a picture of Jesus the Healer. Then open your heart to God and pray. Ask him to save you, heal you, deliver you. He still saves and heals today.
Pray something like this: “Jesus, my faith is in you today. I receive you as my Saviour from sin, sickness, bondage and evil. Set me free today! Heal me today! My hope is in you. I stand today on Your name for all that I need.”
Then take some time and shout praise to Him for hearing you and answering your cries. Expect your life to change! HE IS THE HEALER!
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