The subject of healing is a fascinating one. Certainly, it is one that has generated much debate in the modern American church. The viewpoints are varied and many; and here I shall offer mine, as I understand the Scripture. As I share my thoughts I would like to do so by attempting to answer three questions: 1. Does God perform healings? 2. Does God always heal? and 3. What do I do when I suffer infirmities and need healing?
1. Does God perform healings?
The simple answer to this question yes. After all, we are talking about the Sovereign, thrice holy God of the Bible! And, of course, the Scripture is filled with examples of God performing miracles of healing. In Genesis 2: 20-22 the Lord took a rib from Adam in order to make woman. He closed up the flesh and healed the place where He had taken the rib from. In Numbers 21: 4-9 the Lord sent fiery serpents to afflict the people and many of them died. After the people of Israel had repented of their griping and complaining about Moses and God He instructed them make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole and so it was that when one was bitten they had to simply look to the serpent of brass and live (be healed). 2 Kings 5: 1-14 tells us of Naaman, a Syrian general, who was afflicted with leprosy. He came to Elisha the prophet who then instructed him to go and dip himself and wash in the Jordan river seven times and he would be healed. Eventually, Naaman obeyed and was healed. In Daniel 4: 29-36 the Bible tells us that Nebuchudnezzar stole God's glory, attributing the greatness of the Babylonian kingdom to his own wisdom and strength. God afflicted him with insanity for a season to teach him a lesson, that God shares his glory with no man and that kingdoms rise and fall at the bidding of the Lord. God then healed Nebuchudnezzar of his insanity and restored him as king.
Of course the New Testament is also filled with examples of healing. Matthew 4: 23 states that Jesus travelled all throughout Galilee healing the sicknesses and diseases that were among the people. In Luke 7: 1-10 we're told that Jesus healed a Roman Centurion's servant without even being present with the man. In fact, the Lord was a great distance away. In Mark 5: 21-43 we're told of two miraculous healings: one involved a woman who had an issue of blood for more than twelve years; she simply touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was instantly healed. The other example was the daughter of a man named Jairus, who was not merely sick, but was, in fact dead. Jesus raised her to life again. Acts 3 records the healing of man who lame from birth. Acts 5: 16 describes a multitude of people being healed. Acts 19 records even more miraculous healings stating that even handkerchiefs and aprons that the Apostle Paul had touched and handled were brought to the sick and those touched them were healed.
Of course, I could go on and on with more and more examples, but I believe the point is clear: the God of the bible can and does supernaturally, miraculously heal the sick and the diseased. Now, there are some among us today who would say that healings ceased with the end of the apostolic era. I find no Biblical evidence to support such a position. Besides, the healings of the Old Testament took place prior to the apostolic era, as well as those performed by Jesus Himself. There is nothing in Scripture to suggest that God can not heal today just as did in the pages of Scripture. In fact, if any conclusion at all could be drawn from Scripture it would be that God can and does still heal! For, "... Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever..." Hebrews 13: 8. Now, let's move to our second question...
2. Does God always heal?
Again, I'll begin with the offer of a simple answer, which is no. God does not always heal the sick and afflicted. I realize that there would probably be just as many people who would argue with me about this point as there would be to argue the previous question, but I believe that Scripture supports my answer to this question just as it does the previous one. So, let me submit the following Biblical testimonies for your consideration.
In 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 we find the famous account of where the Apostle Paul talks about the 'thorn in his flesh.' He testifies that He sought the Lord for the removal of the thorn (healing). However, healing is not granted to Paul. In fact, God's answer to Him is "... My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness..." (vs. 9). This was God's way of saying to Paul that He (the Lord) wasn't going to heal him but instead would display His power and His presence by working through His infirmity. Now some have said that this 'thorn' may not have been physical. Some have even suggested that Paul might be talking about a lust issue. But let me be clear: there is absolutely no Scriptural evidence to support such a claim, in fact, it is just the opposite. Paul uses the term "infirmities" to describe his ailment. This comes from the Greek astheneia meaning: sickness, illness, weakness or disease. So, Paul describes his 'thorn' as a physical infirmity for which he prayed to be healed from, yet God chose instead to work through and use his infirmity rather than to heal him from it. It was suggested to me that in his writings to Timothy that Paul spoke of his deliverance (healing) from this thorn. I have read and studied both letters to Timothy and can not find a reference regarding healing from what he discusses here in 2 Corinthians. Furthermore, it seems very difficult to believe that God would heal Paul from this infirmity, especially given the reason he states for suffering from this thorn. In vs. 7 he says, "... And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure..." Paul had been gifted by God in unusual ways, arguably more so than any other man before or since, with exception of course to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul recognized how blessed and gifted of God he was was. And so, the man, who in Romans 7 so clearly confesses his own struggle with the flesh, reveals an affliction from Satan, but used by God to keep the man of God humble, SO THAT "... the power of Christ may rest upon [him]..." Paul is a prime example of when God doesn't heal and how to respond to that and, in fact, be thankful for it.
I won't be quite as lengthy in the following examples, as I was with Paul. Timothy, the young pastor and disciple of Paul, suffered physical affliction with no record of healing. Paul wrote to him under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the words of 1 Timothy 5: 23: "... No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities..." Timothy, obviously had a number of health problems to endure and Paul gave instruction on treating those frequent infirmities, but we're never told that Timothy was ever healed from any of them. It is noteworthy that Colossians 4:14 reveals that Luke the gospel writer, and noted physician was with Paul on at least part of his missionary journeys and could have very well been the one who mentioned the advice to Paul for Timothy. Trophimus is another example of one described as sick, but no mention of healing. In fact, Paul's own words are, "... but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick..." 2 Timothy 4: 20. In Galatians 4: 15 & 6:11 Paul alludes to suffering some type of hindrance to his eyesight. This could have been the 'thorn' that Paul spoke of, or perhaps even another affliction.
In my estimation, however, perhaps the greatest Biblical example of the reality that God doesn't always heal comes in the life of a man who was healed! Let me explain. Philippians 2 mentions a man by the name of Epaphroditus. Paul had sent him to Philippi because he longed to visit the church there. He is described as having been "... sick almost unto death..." vs. 27. Then the Scripture goes on to say that "... God had mercy on him..." which is to say that God had healed him. But here is the interesting part: Paul says that God not only had mercy on Epaphroditus, in that He healed him; but, God had mercy on Paul, in that He healed Epaphroditus! In his own words, Paul said, "... but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow..." vs. 27. And he goes on to testify that for this reason, that is the fact that he was sick, Paul made haste to send Epaphroditus to the believers at Philippi so that they may see him and fellowship with him one more time, in the event that he might possibly die. Had he died and Paul had not sent Epaphroditus to Philippi, the indication of Scripture is that Paul would have greatly regretted that. Now, I mention this example simply to point out that IT IS CLEAR that Paul recognized first that Epaphroditus was sick. Believers sometimes experience physical sickness, suffering and disease. Secondly, Paul obviously did not know, and wasn't sure, that Epaphroditus would be healed. The great man of faith, the one who had been used in so many powerful miracles, so greatly used of God understands that it might not be God's will for his friend to healed. The fact that he wanted to send him quickly to the Philippians is an acknowledgment that while healing is always possible, it isn't always probable. God can choose not to heal. Healing is an act of the mercy of God, which is what this example shows us, but IT IS NOT TO BE UNIVERSALLY APPLIED. You see, God can heal; and God does heal; but He doesn't always heal. These examples I have provided are present to show us that when God doesn't heal, He is still worthy to be trusted!
3. What do I do when I suffer infirmities and need healing?
Well, you pray. You pray and you trust the Lord. Perhaps the better question to ask would be: how should I pray when I suffer sickness? I honestly think that there are several ways to answer this question. I see no reason why a believer wouldn't want to pray and ask God for healing. The Scripture is full of pleas from God to call upon Him in prayer with our requests and needs, and to trust and believe that He will answer. Both Old and New Testaments overflow with such references. The Psalms are packed with David's many requests of deliverance from trials, troubles and tribulations. The New Testament often teaches us to petition the Lord in faith. In fact, Hebrews 11:6 says, "... But without faith it is impossible to Him for he who comes to God, must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him..." As believers we're pray and we're to seek God for "... because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs..." Luke 11: 5. So, why wouldn't a child of God call on his/her Father and ask for healing? Certainly, it would be appropriate to do so.
But at the same time, it is important for the believer to strive to understand the heart of God in the matter. Individual circumstances differ. In the midst of sickness and suffering there may be something much bigger going on... something much bigger than the believer realizes. Like, Paul and Timothy and Trophimus, the Lord may allow the believer to suffer from physical infirmities; and He may not provide an explanation for it, at least one not adequate for our feeble understanding. Like Paul recognizing the healing of Epaphroditus as an act of God's mercy, and seeing that God could have chosen to not heal him, we must approach suffering with the desire of learning the will of God in the matter. If one suffers illness, then perhaps like Paul it is to keep that individual humble; or, perhaps like Job it is to display His Sovereignty; or like the man discussed in John 9:3, simply for the glory of God; or perhaps God has something else in mind altogether. But if you do find yourself suffering illness, disease or some other infirmity consider the words of 1 Peter 4: 19, "... Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator..." Also, remember Romans 8:28, "... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose..."
Before I close let me address one very important matter. What you do not want to do is to twist or misinterpret Scripture to fit a certain theological construct based on preconceived notions because you are unsatisfied with your circumstance. For example, Isaiah 53: 5, "... and by His stripes we are healed..." is often used as THE verse to state that if a believer properly exercises their faith they will be healed, because we have already been healed. This faulty. It is wrong teaching. It is a misinterpretation of Scripture. It is dangerous, and it is flat out wrong. You must remember that Scripture must be interpreted in it's context; and a study of Isaiah 53 clearly reveals that Christ suffers physically (by His stripes) for our benefit spiritually (we are healed). 1 Peter 2: 24-25 drives this point home. Also, I must note the verses that mention God granting those things asked for "... in His name..." It must be understood that to ask in Jesus' name, Biblically, means to ask according to His will. The name of Jesus is not some cheap magic formula to be tossed around. Certainly, do not take the name of the Lord in vain to try and help yourself feel better!
So, if you find yourself suffering physical infirmity, then pray. Pray and seek God's face in the matter. Get a word from God from the Word of God. Probe yourself and ask the serious questions: Is my suffering the result of sin? Is my suffering a test of faithfulness to God? Is my suffering to be used as an instrument for the glory of God? Could God be using my suffering to humble me and perhaps draw me closer to Him? Is it possible that my suffering is God's will? Is God allowing me to suffer in order to provide a testimony for His healing power? These questions are worth your time, but let me warn you: prepare yourself for God's answer and be ready to abide by His will. Lastly, as you consider suffering, sickness and disease let me leave you with the Words of the Bible: "... My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..." James 1: 2-4
Until next time...
Love in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
1. Does God perform healings?
The simple answer to this question yes. After all, we are talking about the Sovereign, thrice holy God of the Bible! And, of course, the Scripture is filled with examples of God performing miracles of healing. In Genesis 2: 20-22 the Lord took a rib from Adam in order to make woman. He closed up the flesh and healed the place where He had taken the rib from. In Numbers 21: 4-9 the Lord sent fiery serpents to afflict the people and many of them died. After the people of Israel had repented of their griping and complaining about Moses and God He instructed them make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole and so it was that when one was bitten they had to simply look to the serpent of brass and live (be healed). 2 Kings 5: 1-14 tells us of Naaman, a Syrian general, who was afflicted with leprosy. He came to Elisha the prophet who then instructed him to go and dip himself and wash in the Jordan river seven times and he would be healed. Eventually, Naaman obeyed and was healed. In Daniel 4: 29-36 the Bible tells us that Nebuchudnezzar stole God's glory, attributing the greatness of the Babylonian kingdom to his own wisdom and strength. God afflicted him with insanity for a season to teach him a lesson, that God shares his glory with no man and that kingdoms rise and fall at the bidding of the Lord. God then healed Nebuchudnezzar of his insanity and restored him as king.
Of course the New Testament is also filled with examples of healing. Matthew 4: 23 states that Jesus travelled all throughout Galilee healing the sicknesses and diseases that were among the people. In Luke 7: 1-10 we're told that Jesus healed a Roman Centurion's servant without even being present with the man. In fact, the Lord was a great distance away. In Mark 5: 21-43 we're told of two miraculous healings: one involved a woman who had an issue of blood for more than twelve years; she simply touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was instantly healed. The other example was the daughter of a man named Jairus, who was not merely sick, but was, in fact dead. Jesus raised her to life again. Acts 3 records the healing of man who lame from birth. Acts 5: 16 describes a multitude of people being healed. Acts 19 records even more miraculous healings stating that even handkerchiefs and aprons that the Apostle Paul had touched and handled were brought to the sick and those touched them were healed.
Of course, I could go on and on with more and more examples, but I believe the point is clear: the God of the bible can and does supernaturally, miraculously heal the sick and the diseased. Now, there are some among us today who would say that healings ceased with the end of the apostolic era. I find no Biblical evidence to support such a position. Besides, the healings of the Old Testament took place prior to the apostolic era, as well as those performed by Jesus Himself. There is nothing in Scripture to suggest that God can not heal today just as did in the pages of Scripture. In fact, if any conclusion at all could be drawn from Scripture it would be that God can and does still heal! For, "... Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever..." Hebrews 13: 8. Now, let's move to our second question...
2. Does God always heal?
Again, I'll begin with the offer of a simple answer, which is no. God does not always heal the sick and afflicted. I realize that there would probably be just as many people who would argue with me about this point as there would be to argue the previous question, but I believe that Scripture supports my answer to this question just as it does the previous one. So, let me submit the following Biblical testimonies for your consideration.
In 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 we find the famous account of where the Apostle Paul talks about the 'thorn in his flesh.' He testifies that He sought the Lord for the removal of the thorn (healing). However, healing is not granted to Paul. In fact, God's answer to Him is "... My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness..." (vs. 9). This was God's way of saying to Paul that He (the Lord) wasn't going to heal him but instead would display His power and His presence by working through His infirmity. Now some have said that this 'thorn' may not have been physical. Some have even suggested that Paul might be talking about a lust issue. But let me be clear: there is absolutely no Scriptural evidence to support such a claim, in fact, it is just the opposite. Paul uses the term "infirmities" to describe his ailment. This comes from the Greek astheneia meaning: sickness, illness, weakness or disease. So, Paul describes his 'thorn' as a physical infirmity for which he prayed to be healed from, yet God chose instead to work through and use his infirmity rather than to heal him from it. It was suggested to me that in his writings to Timothy that Paul spoke of his deliverance (healing) from this thorn. I have read and studied both letters to Timothy and can not find a reference regarding healing from what he discusses here in 2 Corinthians. Furthermore, it seems very difficult to believe that God would heal Paul from this infirmity, especially given the reason he states for suffering from this thorn. In vs. 7 he says, "... And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure..." Paul had been gifted by God in unusual ways, arguably more so than any other man before or since, with exception of course to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul recognized how blessed and gifted of God he was was. And so, the man, who in Romans 7 so clearly confesses his own struggle with the flesh, reveals an affliction from Satan, but used by God to keep the man of God humble, SO THAT "... the power of Christ may rest upon [him]..." Paul is a prime example of when God doesn't heal and how to respond to that and, in fact, be thankful for it.
I won't be quite as lengthy in the following examples, as I was with Paul. Timothy, the young pastor and disciple of Paul, suffered physical affliction with no record of healing. Paul wrote to him under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the words of 1 Timothy 5: 23: "... No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities..." Timothy, obviously had a number of health problems to endure and Paul gave instruction on treating those frequent infirmities, but we're never told that Timothy was ever healed from any of them. It is noteworthy that Colossians 4:14 reveals that Luke the gospel writer, and noted physician was with Paul on at least part of his missionary journeys and could have very well been the one who mentioned the advice to Paul for Timothy. Trophimus is another example of one described as sick, but no mention of healing. In fact, Paul's own words are, "... but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick..." 2 Timothy 4: 20. In Galatians 4: 15 & 6:11 Paul alludes to suffering some type of hindrance to his eyesight. This could have been the 'thorn' that Paul spoke of, or perhaps even another affliction.
In my estimation, however, perhaps the greatest Biblical example of the reality that God doesn't always heal comes in the life of a man who was healed! Let me explain. Philippians 2 mentions a man by the name of Epaphroditus. Paul had sent him to Philippi because he longed to visit the church there. He is described as having been "... sick almost unto death..." vs. 27. Then the Scripture goes on to say that "... God had mercy on him..." which is to say that God had healed him. But here is the interesting part: Paul says that God not only had mercy on Epaphroditus, in that He healed him; but, God had mercy on Paul, in that He healed Epaphroditus! In his own words, Paul said, "... but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow..." vs. 27. And he goes on to testify that for this reason, that is the fact that he was sick, Paul made haste to send Epaphroditus to the believers at Philippi so that they may see him and fellowship with him one more time, in the event that he might possibly die. Had he died and Paul had not sent Epaphroditus to Philippi, the indication of Scripture is that Paul would have greatly regretted that. Now, I mention this example simply to point out that IT IS CLEAR that Paul recognized first that Epaphroditus was sick. Believers sometimes experience physical sickness, suffering and disease. Secondly, Paul obviously did not know, and wasn't sure, that Epaphroditus would be healed. The great man of faith, the one who had been used in so many powerful miracles, so greatly used of God understands that it might not be God's will for his friend to healed. The fact that he wanted to send him quickly to the Philippians is an acknowledgment that while healing is always possible, it isn't always probable. God can choose not to heal. Healing is an act of the mercy of God, which is what this example shows us, but IT IS NOT TO BE UNIVERSALLY APPLIED. You see, God can heal; and God does heal; but He doesn't always heal. These examples I have provided are present to show us that when God doesn't heal, He is still worthy to be trusted!
3. What do I do when I suffer infirmities and need healing?
Well, you pray. You pray and you trust the Lord. Perhaps the better question to ask would be: how should I pray when I suffer sickness? I honestly think that there are several ways to answer this question. I see no reason why a believer wouldn't want to pray and ask God for healing. The Scripture is full of pleas from God to call upon Him in prayer with our requests and needs, and to trust and believe that He will answer. Both Old and New Testaments overflow with such references. The Psalms are packed with David's many requests of deliverance from trials, troubles and tribulations. The New Testament often teaches us to petition the Lord in faith. In fact, Hebrews 11:6 says, "... But without faith it is impossible to Him for he who comes to God, must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him..." As believers we're pray and we're to seek God for "... because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs..." Luke 11: 5. So, why wouldn't a child of God call on his/her Father and ask for healing? Certainly, it would be appropriate to do so.
But at the same time, it is important for the believer to strive to understand the heart of God in the matter. Individual circumstances differ. In the midst of sickness and suffering there may be something much bigger going on... something much bigger than the believer realizes. Like, Paul and Timothy and Trophimus, the Lord may allow the believer to suffer from physical infirmities; and He may not provide an explanation for it, at least one not adequate for our feeble understanding. Like Paul recognizing the healing of Epaphroditus as an act of God's mercy, and seeing that God could have chosen to not heal him, we must approach suffering with the desire of learning the will of God in the matter. If one suffers illness, then perhaps like Paul it is to keep that individual humble; or, perhaps like Job it is to display His Sovereignty; or like the man discussed in John 9:3, simply for the glory of God; or perhaps God has something else in mind altogether. But if you do find yourself suffering illness, disease or some other infirmity consider the words of 1 Peter 4: 19, "... Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator..." Also, remember Romans 8:28, "... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose..."
Before I close let me address one very important matter. What you do not want to do is to twist or misinterpret Scripture to fit a certain theological construct based on preconceived notions because you are unsatisfied with your circumstance. For example, Isaiah 53: 5, "... and by His stripes we are healed..." is often used as THE verse to state that if a believer properly exercises their faith they will be healed, because we have already been healed. This faulty. It is wrong teaching. It is a misinterpretation of Scripture. It is dangerous, and it is flat out wrong. You must remember that Scripture must be interpreted in it's context; and a study of Isaiah 53 clearly reveals that Christ suffers physically (by His stripes) for our benefit spiritually (we are healed). 1 Peter 2: 24-25 drives this point home. Also, I must note the verses that mention God granting those things asked for "... in His name..." It must be understood that to ask in Jesus' name, Biblically, means to ask according to His will. The name of Jesus is not some cheap magic formula to be tossed around. Certainly, do not take the name of the Lord in vain to try and help yourself feel better!
So, if you find yourself suffering physical infirmity, then pray. Pray and seek God's face in the matter. Get a word from God from the Word of God. Probe yourself and ask the serious questions: Is my suffering the result of sin? Is my suffering a test of faithfulness to God? Is my suffering to be used as an instrument for the glory of God? Could God be using my suffering to humble me and perhaps draw me closer to Him? Is it possible that my suffering is God's will? Is God allowing me to suffer in order to provide a testimony for His healing power? These questions are worth your time, but let me warn you: prepare yourself for God's answer and be ready to abide by His will. Lastly, as you consider suffering, sickness and disease let me leave you with the Words of the Bible: "... My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..." James 1: 2-4
Until next time...
Love in Christ,
Pastor Jeremy
Fantastic in-depth study. Thanks Pastor.
ReplyDeleteThanks pastor, that's the best explanation I've ever read yet on this subject. That's a brilliant and non-arrogant approach to such a delicate subject. I like to read more articles of this kind written by you.
ReplyDelete