Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

February 27th, 2008

 

“Healers”

If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you. (Exodus 15:26 NIV).

I have been to many different doctors’ offices over the last twelve years. It seems there are specialists for specialists! However, I am very grateful that they are there. I have been the recipient of their knowledge and care in many areas. I am also very grateful for those like my oldest son, Kyle, who do the research to bring us new medications to treat our illnesses. I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for those daily doses of medication!

However, that said, I also must say that while scientists and medical practitioners are essential to the equation, God still brings healing to my body. This runs counter to the way most people normally think. Today we tend to think that when we are ill, the Doctor will know what is wrong with me, give me a shot or a pill, the medicine will heal me all, and that's the end of the matter.

There are a few problems with that line of reasoning. First, while many of these people are very skilled and wise, they are not all knowing. Sometimes they do not know what is causing the symptom. Second, they do have an ever-growing arsenal of drugs, surgical techniques, and therapies to use, however, there are not treatments for every problem and as many have found out the treatments may have serious side effects that sometimes cause real harm. Third, there are many problems that cannot be cured; attempts at control are all that can be done. Believe me... I know about that one! These and more reasons are why medical people talk about treatments not healings.

The Christian has much more hope because God does not just “treat” he heals! That's the impact of our reading today. The Old Testament has many examples of God validating that promise. One of the most dramatic is the healing of the Assyrian General Naaman in 2 Kings 5:14-15. Once he obeyed God he was immediately healed of his leprosy. The New Testament is also full of examples of God healing. If you are one of those folks in the midst of physical illness... rest in the truth that God still heals! He heals spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. And, he does it through many avenues, including those committed to research and medical practice. Go to your doctor... and go to your heavenly Father in prayer!