Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Who Heals
Photo by Aditya Saxena on Unsplash
"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed." – 1 Peter 2:24
In 1962, my four-year-old brother died of leukemia. I had been shielded beforehand from his diagnosis and its fatal implications. At the age of seven, I knew that kids got sick... but they didn’t die! Old people died. 1962 was the year I learned, as we all do, that life isn’t safe.
As Christians we know that Jesus can heal, but what happens when He hasn’t? There is a range of doctrinal stands professed by Christian denominations on the topic of divine healing. Yet today’s Christians are not isolated within their own church’s teaching. Rather, they are likely to encounter multiple Scriptural interpretations on healing through books, podcasts, and other Christian education and social media resources. This can result in an uncertain theology when they find themselves in desperate need of healing. Motivated by their pain, they seek a definitive truth on which to hang their faith.
Yet the Bible is filled with truths which all exist together with integrity. It seems wise to construct our beliefs regarding healing on the whole of truth. Consider how the following absolutes might contribute: God loves us... always and forever. He continually works to sanctify His children, and will use everything in our lives to further this process. The Lord’s timing is perfectly designed for our good. God does heal here on Earth, and no pain will accompany us into heaven. The Bible reminds us that we understand God in part, not yet in whole, and that His ways are much higher than ours. Interweaving these truths with the absolute power of Jehovah to heal may lead us to a robust, steady faith that always welcomes God’s will. Like Job before his restoration, we might first understand that no one can contain or control the great I AM.
The Bible is clear that we will experience troubles. This warning is both a preparation and an explanation when we encounter pain neither prevented nor swiftly removed by God. The curse of the fall infected not only our bodies, but also our minds, spirits, and relationships. The Great Physician alone is able to triage our many needs for healing in perfect wisdom. And while Jesus healed individuals with just a touch or a word according to their faith, He gave others active instructions to fulfill in advance of their healing. Because Jesus is no longer physically present with mankind, when we seek God’s restorative touch, it is vital that we listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting within. He will always guide us into God’s purposes.
Questions for Reflection:
1. We know that Jesus can heal, but what happens when He doesn't?
2. Why does it seem wise to construct our beliefs regarding healing on the whole of truth?
3. Why is it vitally important to listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting from within when it comes to healing?
