WHY DIVINE
HEALING?

by
Buddy Axley

199l

Second Printing 1995

(Revised)

(All scripture references are taken from the Amplified Bible unless otherwise stated.)

Preface

            I chose to use this title to let each one of us examine for ourselves the heart of God when it comes to our physical and mental well being.  Many Christian men and women have written volumes of great instruction and testimony of the healing and deliverance ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In spite of this, many people on this earth, Christians included, today still suffer in their bodies and minds from satan's attacks and devices.  It is my prayer that this writing will encourage us to receive the benefits, privileges, promises and compassion of our Great God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Introduction

            I referred in the opening remarks about suffering, due to satanic attack, which, is an evil supernatural force exerted against our natural beings.  To begin to answer the question, "Why Divine Healing?", we must first recognize that within our natural force and power we cannot withstand, defeat or overcome a supernatural force of any kind.  We must appropriate a greater supernatural force that comes from God through the Name of Jesus.  This pure, holy, and divine supernatural force is the only power against the devil that can give us help in our time of need.  It is very important for us to establish and settle absolutely in our hearts and minds the truth of God's Word.

            When Jesus Christ paid, for mankind, His sacrificial price on the cross which resulted in His death, the shedding of His blood, the mutilation of His flesh, the agonizing pain and suffering, and even the forsaking, momentarily, of the Heavenly Father, eternal benefits were wrought for every one of us who would believe.  God in His infinite wisdom, mercy and grace, on that day, made a provision for all the needs of His created man.  Jesus Christ defeated satan and all his cohorts through His death and resurrection. And He lives forevermore sitting at the right hand of God the Father ever making intercession for us who believe.  The Holy Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, also dwells in us who believe and He will quicken (restore) our mortal bodies.  If God be for us who can be against us.  God did not withhold anything from us even giving up His own Son, Jesus, therefore, will He not also with Him (Jesus), freely and graciously, give us all other things we need?  See Romans 8:11,31-34.  The answer is YES!  I want to declare to you afresh that if you have temporarily forgotten or do not know the benefits of the Lord today do as David instructed us in Psalm 103.  "Bless and praise the Lord with all that is within you and forget not one of all His benefits, Who forgives everyone of all your iniquities; Who heals each of all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption; Who crowns you with loving kindness and mercy; and Who satisfies your necessity and desire with good" (verses l-5).

            With grateful hearts, let us continue in these following truths to come to a new realm of faith, trust, and understanding as to why God has provided divine healing through the Lord Jesus Christ for us.  Most of all let us receive this provision, for His glory, while we live on this earth.  HALLELUJAH!

The Provision

            Let us see in detail the provision of divine healing and deliverance.  Our human nature and reasoning is amazing.  We can truly believe that Jesus forgives our sins and promises us eternal life, and even promises us a heavenly dwelling place with streets of gold and personal mansions.  Do you believe in these promises?  I have never met Christians, regardless of their backgrounds, who denied the existence of the above mentioned provisions. Why is it then that the other promises and provisions are so difficult for some of us to believe?

            The Word of God is our source of faith.  "Faith cometh from hearing and hearing from the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).  Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, heaven and all other promises are found in God's Word.  If we can believe in any single one we should be able to believe in every one.  "God is not a man that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man that He should feel repentance for what He has promised.  Has He said and shall He not do it?  Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).  "What if some did not believe and were without faith?  Does their lack of faith and their faithlessness nullify and make ineffective and void the faithfulness of God and the fidelity (to His Word)?  By no means!  Let God be found true though every human being be false and a liar." (Romans 3:3-4).

            The Word of God tells us in Acts 10:38, "How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and in particular curing all that were harassed and oppressed by (the power of) the devil, for God was with Him."  The Word also tells us in John 21:25, "There were also many other things which Jesus did.  If they should all be recorded one by one (in detail) I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written."

            In the recorded works that we have in the Gospels, we can readily and easily see how much time and effort Jesus put forth with people, healing and delivering them.  Jesus read the prophecy of Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me to preach good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; to send forth delivered those who are oppressed, to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord.  The day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound."  We can also see this same fulfillment in the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3-5.  "He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness;and as one from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.  Surely He has borne our griefs -- sickness, weakness and distress --and carried our sorrows and pain (of punishment).  Yet we ignorantly considered Him stricken, smitten and afflicted by God (as if with leprosy).  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement needful to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we are healed and made whole."  A very interesting confirmation and fulfillment of this prophecy came through the scripture found in Matthew 8:16-17.  "When evening came they brought to Him any who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word, and restored to health all who were sick, and thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took (in order to carry away) our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases."  Many have said that the purpose of God for Jesus was to save lost mankind from hell and eternal damnation. This is true.  However, the life and ministry of Jesus, as recorded in the Word of God, depicts a much broader and complete provision.  I would like to list some of the many accounts of Jesus' ministry to the sick, bound, and oppressed.  Please read them attentively.

            Matthew 4:23-24, "And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.  So the report of Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all that were sick, those afflicted with various diseases and torments, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, and paralyzed people; and He healed them."

            Matthew 8:2-3, "And behold, a leper came up to Him and prostrating himself, worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if You will, You are able to cleanse me by curing me.  And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I will; be cleansed by being cured.  and instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed."

            Matthew 8:6-7, 13, "....and saying, Lord, my servant boy is lying at the house paralyzed and distressed with intense pains, and Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him....Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed.  And the servant boy was restored to health at that very moment."

            Matthew 8:14-15, "And when Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying ill with a fever; He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began waiting on Him."

            Matthew 9:2,5-7, "And behold, they brought to Him a man paralyzed and prostrated by illness, lying on a sleeping pad, and when Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralyzed man, Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven and the penalty remitted...For which is easier, to say, Your sins are forgiven and the penalty remitted, or say, Get up and walk?  And in order that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins and remit the penalty, He then said to the paralyzed man, Get up! Pick up your sleeping pad and go to your own house."

            Matthew 9:20-22, "And behold, a woman who had suffered from a flow of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His garment; for she kept saying to herself, If I only touch His garment, I shall be restored to health.  Jesus turned around and seeing her He said, Take courage, daughter!  Your faith has made you well.  And at once the woman was restored to health."

            Matthew 9:27-30, "As Jesus was passing on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting loudly, Have pity and mercy on us, Son of David!  When He reached the house and went in, the blind men came to Him.  And Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this?  They said to Him, Yes, Lord.  Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance (on the power invested in Me) be it done to you.  And their eyes were opened.  And Jesus earnestly and sternly charged them, See that you let no one know about this.

            Matthew 9:32-35, "And while they were going away, behold, a dumb man under the power of a demon was brought to Jesus.  And when the demon had been driven out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds were stunned with bewildered wonder, saying, Never before has anything like this been seen in Israel.  But the Pharisees said, He drives out demons through and with the help of the prince of demons.  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity."

            Matthew 12:22, "Then a blind and dumb man, under the power of a demon, was brought to Jesus, and He cured him, so that the blind and dumb man both spoke and saw."

            Matthew 14:14, "When He went ashore and saw a great throng of people, He had compassion (pity and deep sympathy) for them and cured their sick."

            Matthew 15:30-31, "And a great multitude came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them down at His feet and He cured them.  So that the crowd was amazed when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing, and they recognized and praised and thanked and glorified the God of Israel."

            Matthew 17:14,15,18, "And when they approached the multitude, a man came up to Him, kneeling before Him and saying, Lord, do pity and have mercy on my son, for he has epilepsy (is moonstruck) and he suffers terribly, for frequently he falls into the fire, and many times into the water.......And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him: and the boy was cured instantly."

            Matthew 20:30-34, "And behold two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, Lord, have pity and mercy on us, (You) Son of David!  The crowds reproved them and told them to keep still; but they cried out the more, Lord, have pity and mercy on us, (You) Son of David!  And Jesus stopped and called them, and asked, What do you want Me to do for you?  They answered Him, Lord, we want our eyes to be opened!  And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and instantly they received their sight and followed Him."

            Matthew 21:14, "And the blind and the lame came to Him in the porches and courts of the temple, and He cured them."

             Mark 1:32-34, "Now when it was evening, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those under the power of demons, until the whole town was gathered together about the door.  And He cured many who were afflicted with various diseases, and He drove out many demons; and would not allow the demons to talk, because they knew Him (intuitively)."

            Mark 3:1-5, "Again Jesus went into a synagogue, and a man was there who had one withered hand (as the result of accident or disease).  And (the Pharisees) kept watching Jesus (closely), to see whether He would cure on the Sabbath, so that they might get a charge to bring against Him (formally).  And He said to the man that had the withered hand, Get up, (and stand here) in the midst.  And He said to them, Is it lawful and right on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to take it?  But they kept silence, and He glanced around at them with vexation and anger, grieved at the hardening of their hearts, and He said to the man, Hold out your hand.  He held it out, and his hand was (completely) restored."

            Mark 3:10-11, "For He had healed so many that all who had distressing bodily diseases kept falling upon Him and pressing upon Him in order that they might touch Him.  And the spirits, the unclean ones, as often as they might see Him, fell down before Him and kept screaming out, You are the Son of God!"

            Mark 6:55-56, "And they ran about the whole countryside, and began to carry around sick people on their pallets (sleeping pads) to any place where they heard that He was.  And wherever He came into villages or cities or the country, they would lay the sick in the market places, and beg Him that they might touch even the fringe of His outer garment; and as many as touched Him were restored to health."

            Mark 8:22-25, "And they came to Bethsaida.  And (people) brought to Him a blind man, and begged Him to touch Him, and He caught the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands upon him, He asked him, Do you (possibly) see anything?  And He looked up and said, I see people, but (they look) like trees, walking.  Then He put His hands on his eyes again, and the man looked intently (that is, fixed his eyes on definite objects), and he was restored, and saw everything distinctly - even what was at a distance."

            Luke 4:33-35, "Now in the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the foul spirit of a demon; and he cried out with a loud (deep, terrible) cry, Ah, let us alone!  What have You to do with us? - What have we in common - Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know Who You are, the Holy One of God!  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent (muzzled, gagged), and come out of him!  And when the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out of him, without injuring him in any possible way."

            Luke 4:40-41, "Now at the setting of the sun (indicating the end of the Sabbath), all those who had (any that were) sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon every one of them and cured them.  And demons even came out of many people, screaming and crying out, You are the Son of God!  But He rebuked them, and would not permit them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ, the Messiah."

            Luke 6:17-19, "And Jesus came down with them and took His stand on a level spot, with a great crowd of His disciples and a vast throng of people from all over Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to listen to Him and to be cured of their diseases; even those who were disturbed and troubled with unclean spirits, and they were being healed (also).  And all the multitude were seeking to touch Him, for healing power was all the while going forth from Him and cured them all (that is, saving them from severe illnesses or calamities)."

            Luke 7:12-15, "(Just) as He drew near the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow;; and a large gathering from the town was accompanying her.  And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, Do not weep.  And He went forward and touched the funeral couch, and the pallbearers stood still.  And He said, Young man, I say to you, arise (from death)!  And the man (who was) dead sat up, and began to speak.  And (Jesus) gave him (back) to his mother."

            Luke 7:21-22, "In that very hour Jesus was healing many (people) of sicknesses and distressing bodily plagues and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave (a free, gracious, joy-giving gift of) sight.  So He replied to them, Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:  The blind are receiving their sight; the lame are walking; the lepers are cleansed; the deaf are hearing; the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news (the Gospel) preached to them."

            Luke 8:1-2, "Soon afterward (Jesus) went on through towns and villages, preaching and bringing the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God.  And the twelve (apostles) were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases:  Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been expelled;"

            Luke 13:10-13, "Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.  And there was a woman there who for eighteen years had an infirmity caused by a spirit (a demon of sickness).  She was bent completely forward and utterly unable to straighten herself or to look upward.  And when Jesus saw her, He called (her to Him) and said to her, Woman, you are released from your infirmity!  Then He laid (His) hands on her and instantly she was made straight, and she recognized and thanked and praised God."

            Luke 17:12-14, "And as He was going into one village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance.  And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us!  And when He saw them He said to them, Go (at once) and show yourselves to the priests.  And as they went they were cured and made clean."

            John 4:46-51,  "So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had turned the water into wine.  And there was a certain royal official, whose son was lying ill in Capernaum.  Having heard that Jesus had come back from Judea into Galilee, he went away to meet Him and began to beg Him to come down and cure his son, for he was lying at the point of death.  Then Jesus said to him, Unless you see signs and miracles happen, you (people) never will believe (trust, have faith) at all.  The king's officer pleaded with Him, Sir, do come down at once before my little child is dead!  Jesus answered him, Go in peace; your son will live!  And the man put his trust in what Jesus said and started home.  But even as he was on the road going down, his servants met him and reported, saying, Your son lives!"

            John 5:3-9(a),  "In these lay a great number of sick folk, some blind, some crippled and some paralyzed (shriveled up), waiting for the bubbling up of the water.  There was a certain man there who had suffered with a deep-seated and lingering disorder for thirty-eight years.  when Jesus noticed him lying there helpless, knowing that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, Do you want to become well?  (Are you really in earnest about getting well?)  The invalid answered, Sir, I have nobody when the water is moving to put me into the pool; but while I am trying to come myself, somebody else steps down ahead of me.  Jesus said to him, Get up; pick up your bed (sleeping pad) and walk!  Instantly the man became well and recovered his strength and picked up his bed and walked...."

            All of these works Jesus did before His death and resurrection to demonstrate God's will.  Let's once again be called to account of Jesus' final words from the cross.  "It is finished."  He had completed and finished paying the sacrifice for us, but His work wasn't finished.  His work was just beginning; beginning to be available to us through this New Covenant, wrought in better promises for those of us who can believe.  I challenge you to accept, believe, and receive the Divine Provision for your present need.

The Decision

            Do we want to be well, restored to health, delivered from oppression, and made whole?  It is our decision.  It is a decision to be made not on our opinions, fears, doubts, religious traditions, or prejudices but on the absolute truth of the Word of God.  Jesus said in John 8:31-32, "If you abide in My Word - hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them - you are truly My disciples (followers) and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

            There is much disputing, even among Christians, as to the validity of divine healing and deliverance for this present age, but we are told in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, today (yes) and forever to the ages."

            It is not my purpose to criticize or judge your decisions but to stimulate you to examine the basis for your decisions.  Will you trust in the supernatural power of God or in the natural power of the flesh?

            If you are not yet convinced that spiritual, mental and physical problems, that we suffer from as human beings, are authored by the devil, then, of course, there would be no reason to resist them or try to overcome them.  The Word of God tells us, however, in I Peter 5:8-9 to  "Be well balanced - temperate, sober-minded: be vigilant and cautious at all times, for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour.  Withstand him; be firm in faith (against his onset), - rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined - knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the whole world."  There is an enemy called satan who thrives on our deception and robs us of our inherited promises in Christ Jesus.  Jesus said in John 10:10, "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance - to the full, till it over flows."

            Now my question to you is this, are you enjoying life; experiencing an overflowing, abundant and full life?  I have never found being oppressed, depressed, or sick and hurting an enjoyable life style.  It will take an ever-increasing undeniable faith decision on our part to live in victory on the earth.  Everyone surely knows, from the Word of God, that there will be no sin, sickness and sorrow in heaven.  Do you agree?  The provision of God that includes forgiveness of sins, healing and health to mind and body, daily sustenance, and the power to maintain them, were given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.  "Little children you are of God - you belong to Him - and have (already) defeated and overcome them (the agents of anti-christ), because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4).    "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.  Who is it that is victorious over (that conquers) the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God - who adheres to, trust in and relies (on that fact)?" (I John 5:4-5).

            Remember, faith comes from hearing the Word of God.  That is why I am continuing to place before you His Word.  There is no possible way we can make faith decisions and hold fast to them unless they are based on His Word.  You see our word is not sufficient.  However, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, as we speak His Word, there is power released to heal and deliver.  We must be sure that we are believing, thinking and speaking His Word.  Proverbs 4:20-22 says, "My son attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.  Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.  For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh."  Glory be to God forever!  Amen!

            Why has God given divine provision?  Why has He given us divine forgiveness, divine peace, divine healing, and divine freedom?  He has given them to us because we need them in this life on this planet earth so that we can make the right decisions in how to live.

            Let me stimulate you further by asking you some more questions.  These questions I have had to ask myself over the years as I have lived as a Christian.

            Who do you go to when you sin and need forgiveness and cleansing?  Can any man or flesh, through his natural ability, talent, profession, give you this supernatural gift?  Does not the Blood of Jesus cleanse us from all sin?  See I John 1:7.  "He personally bore our sins in His (own) body on the tree (as on an alter and offered Himself on it) that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness.  By His wounds you have been healed." (I Peter 2:24).  Did you hear that?  Can you really trust yourself to man's natural abilities when you have a divine supernatural loving Savior, Healer and Deliverer Whose Name is Jesus?

            I have trusted in the flesh, and you have trusted in the flesh, but the Word of God says, "But the just shall live by faith (that is, my righteous servant shall live by his conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it); and if he draws back and shrinks in fear My soul has no delight or pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38).

            If we live by our faith convictions, we will not please people at times, even other Christians.  We will be persecuted, criticized and mocked because of the decisions we make.

            When we "Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5), we please God.  Is pleasing and honoring God important to you?  Do you know that He honors those who honor Him?  Did you know "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.  For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)." (Hebrews 11:6).

            Many of us at this point begin to cry out "condemnation", "legalism", "bondage", but in reality we should cry out for mercy to our Lord for being double-minded, because "Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title-deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality -- faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses." (Hebrews 11:l).  You see,  double-minded people can't expect to receive from the Lord.  "For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything (he asks for) from the Lord, (for being as he is) a man of two minds - hesitating, dubious, irresolute - (he is) unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything (he thinks, feels, decides). (James 1:7-8).  Be absolute in your decision!

            Are we convinced that heaven exists, that it awaits us at the end of life's journey?  Have you seen heaven?  What assures you of forgiveness?  Do you receive a document signed in the Blood of Jesus each time you go to confess at the Throne of Grace?  We can readily see our double-mindedness.  As we are assured by His Word of the promises of heaven, forgiveness, and even eternal life, we also need to see  with our spiritual eyes this same assurance when it comes to our mental and physical well being.  If not, we will continue to make poor decisions.

            It is our decision, each one of us, each time we are faced with an evil, supernatural attack, what to choose.  If we choose to believe in someone or something other than the divine, supernatural virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot expect to stand and see the full salvation and deliverance of the Lord.  What then can we do when we've done all we know to do, based on God's Word?  "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord -- be empowered through your union with Him; draw your strength from Him -- that strength which His (boundless) might provides.  Put on God's whole armor -- the armor of a heavy-armed soldier, which God supplies -- that you may be able successfully to stand up against (all) the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood -- contending only with physical opponents -- but against the despotisms, against the powers, against (the master spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.  Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day (of danger), and having done all (the crisis demands), to stand (firmly in your place)." (Ephesians 6:10-13).

            Those who live in this world have many humanitarian provisions.  You see, the systems of the world are not based on faith in Jesus' supernatural power and love. They are based on faith in the natural abilities and talents of men.  For instance, medical science and other related professions provide their best help.  Yet, in spite of the most modern technological advances, millions still die and perish under these natural provisions.

            Many people, Christians included, have asked me "Don't you believe in doctors, medicine, psychologists, etc.?"  My reply is always the same.  "I believe more in Jesus Christ, for He is the Way and the Truth and the Life for me."  We constantly have to make decisions as to where we will place our faith and trust.  Many are in the place where the woman was that we find in Mark 5:25-29, 33-34, "And there was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had endured much suffering under (the hands of) many physicians, and had spent all that she had: and was no better but instead grew worse.  She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment, for she kept saying, If I only touch His garments, I shall be restored to health.  And immediately her (flow of) blood was dried up at the source, and (suddenly) she felt in her body that she was healed of her (distressing) ailment.....But the woman, knowing what had been done for her, though alarmed and frightened and trembling, fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth.  And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (that is, your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health.  Go in (to) peace, and be continually healed and free from your (distressing bodily) disease."

            Some today have suffered much.  Some today have spent all the money available to be cured.  Some have even grown worse.  It is time to tell the Lord the whole truth.  Confess the doubt, fear and frustration.  Touch His garment!  Receive His virtue?  Receive it with faith, confidence and trust!  Be continually healed and free!  Let us make this decision today.

The Commission

            If we have made decisions to believe and receive the divine provisions of healing and deliverance in our lives, we are further challenged by the Lord Jesus to go forth in His Name with His compassion and mercy and share the Gospel with others.  For many years, the Lord has impressed upon me the principle of first "in me" and then "through me".  We must allow God to work in us before He can work through us.  You see, it is a co-mission.  We go in Jesus' Name to accomplish the works that He did as He brings them to pass through us.  We are co-laborers with the Lord Jesus and with one another.  John 14:12, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father."  I John 2:6, "Whoever says he abides in Him ought -- as a personal debt -- to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself."  Let us see afresh what the Lord said to us, who believe, before He left the earth.  "Go unto all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature (of the whole human race).....And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe:  In My Name they will drive (cast out) demons -- They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well (recover).  So then the Lord Jesus after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied (it) Amen - So be it." (Mark 16: 15, 17-20).  Many people do not have the power available to be free from the oppression of the devil; so for those of us who have received from our gracious and merciful Lord, we should consider it a privilege to be sent out in His Name to help them.  Let's look at the attitude that we should have as we look to the words of Jesus.  "And as you go, preach saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand!  Cure the sick; raise the dead; cleanse the lepers; drive out demons.  Freely (without pay) you have received; freely (without charge) give." (Matthew 10:7-8).

            Regretfully everyone who has received from the Lord, will not be willing to go forth.  "When He saw the throngs He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered -- harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless -- like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. So pray the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38).  You see, it is His harvest, not ours, but it is our responsibility to represent Him to this suffering world.

            It is not our responsibility, however, to try to force people to receive or accept the truth of God's Word.  We must know that our Lord helps those who come to Him and call on His Name.  "......and him who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out -- I will never, no never reject one of them who comes to Me." (John 6:37).

            In our attempt to fulfill the Lord's co-mission we must realize that those to whom we reach out have a responsibility to believe and have faith in Jesus and His Word.  We are given a scriptural account to confirm this.  Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil but when He arrived at His own home town He encountered much unbelief.  "And He was not able to do even one work of power there, except that He laid His hands on a few sickly people (and) cured them.  And He marveled because of their unbelief -- their lack of faith in Him.  And He went about the surrounding villages (and) continued teaching." (Mark 6:5-6).

            We must never become discouraged when people reject the ministry of Jesus through us.  We must continue to minister to others.  On a personal note:  I have witnessed many people receive the Lord's ministry of healing and deliverance along  also with those who have rejected it.  I prefer to rejoice and be thankful for those who have received.  I believe we should share in the sadness of the Lord when there are those who don't receive His help.  However, at the same time, we must determine in ourselves to continue to be faithful to the Lord's work which He has entrusted to us.  Because of God's mercy, some will receive through the gifts of the Holy Spirit flowing through us, in the form of the discerning of spirits, the gifts of faith, the gifts of healing, and the gifts of miracles.  Many times, however, people cannot receive from the Lord because of disobedience and lack of repentance in their lives.  For example, I have seen many Christians try unsuccessfully to cast demons out of other believers when the solution to the problem rested in these Christians simply repenting and obeying God's Word.  The best way for true believers to be free of demonic oppression, that can result in sickness and disease, is to be submissive, humble and obedient children of God.  "But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully).  That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace (continually) to the lowly -- those who are humble-minded (enough to receive it).  So be subject to God -- stand firm against the devil; resist him and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7).

            If we find believers among us suffering with a physical or mental attack, we should, of course, obey His Word as a congregation of saints to see His healing go forth.  "Is any one among you sick?  He should call in the church elders -- the spiritual guides.  And they should pray over him, anointing  him with oil in the Lord's Name.  And the prayer (that is) of faith will save him that is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess to one another therefore your faults -- your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins; and pray (also) for one another, that you may be healed and restored -- to a spiritual tone of mind and heart.  The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available -- dynamic in its working." (James 5:14-16).

            Wherever we find ourselves in this world we will find sick and oppressed people.  As I have previously stated, all will not respond to the Lord's out-stretched hands of healing and deliverance.  We must, therefore, determine in ourselves to be faithful to minister to those who desire help.  You see, discouragement that comes from doubtful, fearful and scornful people is meant only to distract us from the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We must be able to withstand criticisms, false accusations, and persecutions; just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.  Listen to what religion says about the ministry of Jesus.  "And when those who belonged to Him (His kinsmen) heard it, they went out to take Him by force, for they kept saying< He is out of His mind -- beside Himself, deranged!  And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and by (the help of) the prince of demons He is casting out demons." (Mark 3:21-22).  We have the same forces speaking today against the Lord's ministry through us.  Jesus addresses these accusations in the following words.  "And He summoned them to Him, and said to them in parables, How can satan drive our satan?  And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house is divided -- split into factions and rebelling -- against itself that house will not be able to last.  And if satan has raised an insurrection against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is (surely) coming to an end.  But no one can go into a strong man's house and ransack his household goods right and left and seize them as plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may (thoroughly) plunder his house.  Truly and solemnly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever abusive and blasphemous things they utter: but whoever speaks abusively against or maliciously misrepresents the Holy Spirit can never get forgiveness, but is guilty of and is in the grasp of an everlasting trespass." (Mark 3:23-29).  For years people have mocked those who have gone forth to obey the commission of the Lord Jesus, especially in the laying on of hands to the sick and casting out of demons.  It is offensive to many people because they either do not know the truth or refuse to accept it.  I tell you, it is worth all the mocking and scorn that comes our way to participate in seeing those who are oppressed of the devil set free in Jesus' Name. Hallelujah!  "And blessed -- happy (with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation apart from outward conditions) and to be envied -- is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble (whatever may occur)". (Luke 7:23).

            Jesus told us that if they persecuted the master of the house (the Lord Himself) how much more the servants of the house.  That's us!  The servants of the household of God.  We must always remember that we go forth in His Name to do His works.  We must occupy the land until He comes.  To do this we must be determined, be persevering, be running the race, be fighting the good fight of faith, and be finishing the course.  Hallelujah!  "Do not be deceived and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at -- scorned, disdained or mocked (by mere pretensions or professions, or His precepts being set aside). -- He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.  For whatever a man sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap life eternal.  And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." (Galatians 6:7-9).

            Remember there are no other people, even angels, or any other created being that the Lord has commissioned to fulfill His will on the earth.  "But we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation (God's) own purchased, special people, that we may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9).