healing

Matthew 8, Acts 8

Jesus healed a man with leprosy, a Roman officer's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, and a bunch of other people.

 ¹⁴ When Jesus arrived at Peter's house, Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. ¹⁵ But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

Perhaps one of the reasons that God heals us is so that we can serve Him.  How many Americans profess to be "Christians" but are too lazy to serve?

 ¹⁶ That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.

It seems to me that a significant aspect of Christ's ministry was healing people.  Even the early church was characterized by the Lord's healing:

 ⁴ But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. ⁵ Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. ⁶ Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. ⁷ Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. ⁸ So there was great joy in that city.

So, why isn't the Church today known to be a conduit of healing from the Lord?  Why don't we have people with all kinds of sicknesses (physical, mental, emotional, relational) lined up for prayer and healing at church meetings?  Why isn't the church a spiritual hospital instead of a country club?

Heavenly Father, please heal me so that I can serve you.  Lord, please heal me of my leprosy of pride.  Jesus, please forgive us for our warped and selfish perspective of what the Church is.  God, please get a hold of us so that we will be authentic with you and others.  I pray that you will do great and mighty miracles of healing in us and through us so that people will know you and your reputation will be honored everywhere.  I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.