Rev. William Watson
An aging person in the New Testament focuses on the responsibility of children and other family members, including the family of faith to care for them. The young are urged to honor the aging. One of Jesus’ major ministries was the healing of the ill. They flocked to Him in large numbers often after having tried all the remedies available in their day. Nearly one-fifth of the Gospels mentions Jesus’ miracles and record 14 distinct instances of physical and mental healings.
Christianity and health are intertwined just as we are united in body and soul. “Above all things that Thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,” 3 John 2. Most Christians believe in healing through faith, yet we allow ourselves to become weak and sometimes confused by not having true understanding. In several occasions Jesus used the faith of the individual as a factor in their healing: “Thy faith hath made Thee whole,” Mark 5:34. “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief,” Mark 9:23-24.
We should not be confused about the ministry of healing. The Bible clearly states that Jesus believed in healing the body. Jesus’ methods included prayer, the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and the assurance of forgiveness of sins. The church continued to use these methods (James 5:14-16). God’s divine healing works through doctors, instruments and the knowledge He gives to help people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “Bless the Lord who healeth all thy diseases,” Psalm 103:2-3.
My weekly prayer is that the reader of this commentary becomes spiritually inspired of God. Send for a copy of our Intercessory Prayer. Contact Expressions of Faith at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol. com>.
