Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed ~ 1 Peter 2:24.
Introduction: The healing ministry is very vital to the gospel. That was why a significant part of Jesus’ earthly ministry was dedicated to healing the sick. And, for the same reason, He also commissioned His disciples to freely heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out devils (Matthew 10:8).
Being in sound health is indeed better than queuing for healing. As a matter of fact, total health was God’s original plan for man (3 John 2). Healing ministry is, as it were, a child of circumstance. It was necessitated by the ugly incident of the fall of man in Eden.
The first man, Adam, was created perfect and sickness-free (Psalm 139:14). But, with his fall through disobedience, man could no longer host God and, because life itself abhors emptiness, the devil came in immediately to fill his life-space with articles of wickedness: sicknesses, disease, oppression, destruction, poverty, death and so on (Genesis 3:1-6; John 10:10).
In that same instance, the devil stole the dominion authority from man and, therefore, occupies an advantaged position to possess, oppress, oppose and afflict every man living outside the matchless grace of God in Christ Jesus (Matthew 9:32-33; Luke 13:11-16).
Meanwhile, it is important to note that apart from the satanic dimensions to health issues, there are some other factors that can equally cause ill-health.
These factors, which were secondary effects of the fall, include overwork, poor hygiene, improper diet as well as natural aging processes (Philippians 2:25-30; Deuteronomy 14:3-21; 1 Corinthians 15:31).
Albeit, all these above could not obliterate the Grand Will of God for man, which includes perfect health. And, on top of all of these, good health is now freely made available for man through Jesus Christ.
Apostle Peter said, “ye were healed” — past tense. And, that puts “paid” to all issues surrounding divine healing and health. Total healing and restoration for man has been accomplished once and for all time. It is no longer a question of whether or not it is God’s Will to heal you, but rather whether or not you are willing to be made whole!
The big revelation here that ought to be fully annotated is: if you were healed by His stripes, then you are healthy in Jesus Name. Indeed, God made full provisions for us to experience total healing in all areas of our lives and destinies.
Our God is the healing God. It is His Will to heal and to restore His children to a position of total wholeness, where every aspect of our being — spirit, soul and body — is made whole.
Moreover, divine healing is an evidence of God’s Kingdom on earth. Healing of all types of sicknesses and casting out devils were visible manifestations or outward signs of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:23; Luke 9:10-11).
Our total healing was purchased through Christ’s supreme sacrifice on the Cross. When Jesus Christ said, “It is finished”, He meant there was nothing left undone, and nothing more that is required (Acts 10:38; Isaiah 53:4-5).
When the children of Israel were bitten by poisonous snakes in the wilderness, the Lord instructed Moses to make a brass pole and to place a brass snake upon it. The congregation was then told to look up, promising that whoever looked at the snake on the pole would be healed. And so it was!
This was a picture of Jesus Christ, who bore the judgement for our sins on the Cross (John 3:14-15). Brass is the metal of judgement; a serpent is a symbol of sin. Thus, for the believers today, looking unto Jesus Christ is our guaranteed access to divine healing from all satanic poisons and sicknesses!
How Do I Receive the Healing Touch Today?
Basically, before anyone can experience the healing touch, he must receive God’s Word, and act in faith upon it. Divine healing has been purchased for us, but we must receive it by faith in order to enjoy it (John 6:63; Psalm 107:20).
Our personal willingness and cooperation are required. This is an important truth we must understand if we truly desire the healing touch of Christ.
Jesus pretty well knew the condition of the invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda, yet He asked for His willingness: “... wilt thou be made whole”? (John 5:6).
Again, the importunate demand of the Canaanite woman for healing from Christ made it impossible for her to be denied her healing experience. Jesus said: “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (Matthew 15:28).
Faith is a fact, but our actions are required for it to work well. Many believers today wait too long on God to heal them, but in reality God has also been waiting for them to respond to His love, take Him at His Word and act in faith upon His promises.
There are no limitations on God’s power to heal and to deliver. The young boy in the Bible account of Mark 9:17-25 was totally hindered, barred and disconnected from abundant life. He was deaf and dumb from his childhood, but when Jesus Christ intervened, he was delivered and made whole. Alleluia!
Jesus Christ was sent to heal the whole man, as part of His salvation package (Psalm 103:2-3; Luke 4:18-19; 19:10; Mark 6:56; Acts 10:38). However, our belief comes before divine performance! And, we can have only what we believe God for (Matthew 8:8-13; 17:20; Mark 9:21-23).
Friends, are you willing to be made whole, right now? Please note that the power of God is present to heal, even as you read this piece! Just reach out by faith, and act now on God’s promises. He will make you whole (Matthew 9:22).
In conclusion, never limit God to your ideas of ‘how’ you should be healed, ‘when’ you should be healed, or ‘who’ He should use! Rely absolutely on the Holy Spirit, knowing fully well that whenever He is involved, there is total liberty!
Healing is available, whatever area of your life healing is needed. But you must first break every barrier of doubt and unbelief, pressing your way through in the Spirit realm (Matthew 8:13; 15:28).
Deliverance and healing are meant for God’s children (Mark 7:27). Hence, if you’re a child of God operating duly under His covenant, you are standing on a solid platform of health, and all iron gates before your health are destroyed, already!
Never forget to keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Isaiah 45:22; Hebrews 12:2). As you look faithfully unto Jesus Christ, I command that you receive divine health and walk in its vibrant dimensions from this day forth, in Jesus Name. Happy Sunday!
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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