Jesus came to redeem us from the consequences of the fall – Part 26

– What has Christ done for sickness and disease? Cont’

(3) Saturate your life with God’s Word (John 15:7; Rom 10:17). God sends forth His Word to heal (Ps 107:20). He also watches over the promises of His Word to fulfill them (Jer 1:12; Is 53:11). Let God’s promises about healing enter into your spirit as a revelation. Active faith can then unite with God’s Word (Heb 4:2) for a creative miracle.

(4) Call for the prayers of the elders of the church with the anointing of oil, as well as the prayers of family members and friends (Jas 5:14-16).

(5) Attend a service where a person with a respected healing ministry is present (cf. Acts 5:15-16; 8:5-7). (6) Expect miracle—trust in Christ’s power (Mat 7:8; 19:26). (7) Rejoice if healing comes this day. Rejoice even if it does not come in the present hour (Phil 4:4, 11-13). (8) If you are not finding healing, continue to remain in Him (John 15:1-7). Examine your life to see what changes God may desire to work in you. (9) Know that God’s delays in answering prayers are not necessarily denials of those requests.

Sometimes God has a large purpose in mind that, when realized, results in His greater glory (cf. John 9:3; 11:4, 14-15,45; 2 Cor 12:7-10) and in good for us (Rom 8:28). (10) Realize that if you are a committed Christian, God will never forsake you or forget you. He loves you so much that He has engraved you on the palms of His hands (Is 49:15-16).

Note: The Bible acknowledges the proper use of medical care (Mat 9:12; Luke 10:34; Col 4:14).

The methods of healing Jesus used included prayer, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and assurance of the forgiveness of sins. The church continued to use these methods (James 5:14-16)

Jesus did not use healing as a means of gaining attention but tried to keep the experience private. “Praise the LORD … He heals all your disease” (Ps 103:2-3).

What is the relevance of “anointing oil”?

“So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” (Mk 6:12,13)

“anointed with oil.” Anointing the sick with oil for healing is mentioned only here and in Jas 5:14. The oil likely represents a tangible token of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (see Zech 4:3-6, notes) and a point of contact to encourage faith (see Ex 30:23-25).

“Oil” is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit. The “oil” (Ex 30:31; Lev 8:10; 1 Sam 16:13; Zech 4:6; Acts 10:38; 1Jn 2:20) is suggestive of the Holy Spirit’s consecrating grace and guidance in qualifying us to minister in divine things. The holy anointing oil, together with the oil used for other purposes in Scripture, directs in our thoughts towards the fact that without the Spirit’s presence in our lives we are powerless to produce holiness or any aspect of Christian character.

The candle stick and two olive trees (Zech 4:1-14)

“Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” ….. “What are these, my lord?”5Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 4:3-6)

The two olive trees represent the royal and priestly ministries of Zerubbabel and Joshua (see Hag 1:1).