Today's Passage - Matthew 4:23-25

Matthew 4:23-25   Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.   The Lord did not only save us from sin, but He is also our healer. He has conquered all things. Not only did he overcome sin on the cross, but he also defeated all powers of the enemy. The Bible tells us that there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. The meaning of "salvation" in the original language means "being healed". The Lord's salvation does not refer to only to the salvation of souls, but also for the healing of bodies. Not only can we ask in Jesus name for salvation, but we can also ask for healing. In Acts Chapter 3, when Peter and John were arrested for healing the lame man, they declared to the people that it was Jesus who healed the man. Actually, modern medicine is also a blessing from God to people. However, for those of us who believe, God has also given us another special blessing, which is the prayer of the saints that can bring healing. We are indeed blessed! There is no contradiction between prayer and medicine. They are actually complementary because many sicknesses cannot be healed by medicine alone and some sicknesses are brought about by sin, or by curses from evil spirits. Often only by prayer and confession can these bondage of sickness be released.   Healing is often a difficult ministry because we cannot understand why God chooses to heal some, but not others. We can only acknowledge that we are weak and ignorant and humbly declare that only Jesus is Lord. On the other hand, God also teaches us not to focus on the result of healing, but to bring hearts before God. Because physical healing is only temporal, but in God there is eternal life. We need to use prayer to bring people before God, so that they can meet God. When the person encounters God, they may receive blessing directly from the throne of God anytime. If God heals them in the process, we will give thanks and glory to God. If they do not get healed, we should also give thanks to God for His presence with us. May the Lord help us to seek his grace in the lesson of healing.   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, I pray especially for my brothers and sisters who are sick. May you place your healing hand upon their bodies where it is weak and hurting. In the name of Jesus, we command all sickness to leave and bring about healing to our brothers and sisters. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!          Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!