December 9 - Thought for the day....healing

We all battle sickness at one time or another. Many who have read their Bibles are familiar with the many instances of divine healing Jesus, the apostles, and the early church saw in their ministry.

Is healing for today? If so, why don't we see it as frequently as in the New Testament. If we believe the Bible to be a "living" book then the scriptures are just as true today as they were when written. Jesus commanded those who would follow Him to "lay hands on the sick and they will recover" (Mark 16:18)

We need to pray and believe for those with mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical difficulties to be set free. God will do it through those who believe.

James gives us the reason why some may not be healed. This is not the reason for all, some it is timing, others God has a unique plan for, and others God may be looking more long term at their lives for greater impact. Here is what James says

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." James 5:14,15

The idea here is that someone is so desirous to be healed, they are expecting a miracle, so they urgently ask for prayer. When asking for prayer it is our job to believe that God really wants to heal us and that we are important to Him.

The Elders (according to the Greek word used here) are the leadership of the church, those who have been chosen by God to lead, in positions of authority so they are functioning under their God anointed, authority, when praying.

"Praying" is the passionate, fervent, belief in the God who heals. Knowing that He is listening and watching what is being done.

The "anointing with oil" is a symbolism, throughout the Bible oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence. In other words, when the elder is praying, anointing with oil, they are standing in the place of Jesus, acting on behalf of Jesus, and moving in His authority to defeat this enemy. We are ambassadors of Christ. So like any ambassador, we function with the full authority of the King. 

Begin to believe today that you are important to God. Expect Him to bring healing to your mind, body, soul, and spirit when needed.