August 8, 2022

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of diseases among the people. Matthew 4:23 (see also 9:35)

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1

Oh! How Jesus was touched with the infirmities of the people! He did not grill them as to how they became ill, knowing that their own lifestyle choices were largely to blame. The destructive influence of His archenemy has been marching across the earth since the days of Adam and Eve. With every healing, Jesus was silently declaring, “MINE!”, for every molecule of creation belongs to Him. He invites each of us to join Him in reclaiming “territory” that is rightfully His.

There are conditions whereby we are instructed to cooperate with the good workings of the Creator. In a sinful and fallen world, we are surrounded by dangers of every kind. The invisible realm of spiritual dangers abound, and even the physical ones are often microscopic and unseen. The Lord’s required conditions are actually blessings of protection.

If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26

This is an incredible promise! Obviously, God’s people who were led out of Egypt and heard the voice of God with their own ears did not heed. The words translated “put” and “brought” are from a word that means “allow.” Those who have ignored, taken lightly, or even scoffed at His commands have stepped out from under His protection. We have all done this, our minds dull to real perils to which we have exposed ourselves. Many of the Lord’s most faithful followers are those who have learned painful lessons the hard way. What wonderful and compassionate witnesses of His grace such a one can be! One who has been forgiven much loves much (see Luke 7:47).

The attention that Jesus devoted to healing physical maladies often preceded His preaching when He entered a town or village. Church, what doors to isolated, hurting hearts might be thrown wide open if we each make the effort to address physical needs of those around us?

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40