Abiding in Easterనమూనా

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 28

That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

Matthew 8:16-17 ESV

We continue our journey toward Easter by daily meditating on this Jesus and who He was and who He is to us today. Jesus was a healer. There are SO many accounts of Jesus healing those who were sick and casting out demons. This was a major part of His ministry. When He sent out the 12 disciples to go and spread the good news to various cities, He told them they had power to heal the sick (Luke 9:1-2). Later, He sent out 72 followers and told them the same thing. (Luke 10:9) Jesus knew that many were afflicted with physical sickness and that healing would be a sign of His power and a gateway to their hearts. Think of today. I’ve never seen a hospital that was empty. People regularly take sick days. Sickness and disease plague us. If Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and His Spirit lives in those of us who believe, shouldn’t we expect to see healing power today? I know God uses modern medicine and gifted doctors to heal, but often, we only go to God as last resort- “Well, there’s nothing left to do but pray.” Perhaps, that should be the first thing we do!

APPLICATION:

If you or someone you love are sick, have you asked Jesus to heal you? Is there someone in your life who needs healing? Could you come alongside them and pray for them, asking Jesus to heal them? We ask and then we trust… His will be done. If He doesn’t heal physically, often He fills hearts with love and faith and heals spiritually.