The Healing You've Been Waiting For
"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see."
(Acts 03: 16)
It was just another afternoon during the early Christian era. Peter and John were heading to the temple as it was their prayer time. They pass the gate called Beautiful and find this man, lame from birth, being carried to the gate so that he would beg the whole afternoon. The lame man sees Peter and John and asks them for money. They look straight at him in return.
The 'Acts of the Apostles' details further events as follows: 'Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk' (Acts 03:04-08). Truly an event that all of our eyes would love to witness. We yearn to see such powerful and miraculous moments. However, after a while, we remember what is going on in our lives. We try to imagine ourselves there. We think about what we are struggling with. We remember the physical or mental healing that we have been awaiting for months or years. And we see ourselves there, scorched by our long wait and burdened by the thoughts of impossibility. "When will such a moment come in my life?" we may ask.
In the events and public conversations that followed the lame man's jumping and walking, we find two Biblical lessons about being healed, and I would like to emphasise these two as we wait on the Lord for the much-needed healing in our lives. As we continue to read the same passage, we learn that the lame man "jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him" (Acts 03: 08 - 10).
No wonder the people were taken by surprise, or, maybe, the right word would be 'astounded!' Who would ever believe such things to happen in normal life governed by the laws of nature? There were definitely discussions and debates. And then, Peter's message, the first sermon of the church. The greatest lesson on healing we could draw from Peter's words is this: "...It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him..." (Acts 03:16). Yes! It is the name of Jesus, and the faith that comes through Him!
Peter was carefully following Jesus. He understood Jesus just by standing near Him, watching Him heal with compassion, and more importantly, Peter had heard Jesus reiterating the truth that faith is the centerpoint, the key to healing. In Matthew 9:22, Jesus says, “Take heart, daughter...your faith has healed you.” In Matthew 15:28, He says, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted”, and the woman's daughter was healed at that moment. In Mark 5:34, Jesus says, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” In Mark 10:52, Jesus tells the blind man, "Go...your faith has healed you.” And in Luke 5:20, we find the men who could not find a way to bring their dear friend to Jesus because the house where Jesus was teaching was crowded, and they had to go up the roof and lower their friend on a mat through the tiles, and the Gospel of Luke tell us says, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven.” And today, Jesus is searching for that faith in you! Yes, you have Jesus with you, but have you received and nurtured that faith which comes through Him?
This is a great calling the Lord is giving us today. We have been waiting for God to heal us. Yes, we have prayed. And, yes, we are assured that the name of Jesus is over us. But where is our faith? Today, as we stand before God and pray for healing, let us remember the two elements of the miraculous healing we are all waiting for: it is the name of Jesus and the faith we receive through Him. Therefore, let us pray with faith in the name of Jesus! There will be a miraculous healing in your life today, a healing that you have been waiting for so long.
Pray in Jesus' name. Pray with faith. Consciously remember these as you pray for the miraculous healing! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us, now and forever more. Amen.
May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Ebenezer B. Veerasingam
"I believe you're my Healer" by Kari Jobe
