Dearly Loved ones in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Church is called to function as a healing community to a hurting world. People need healing in the body, mind and spirit. The ailing man is constantly waiting for a pool at Bethesta to be stirred up. In utter desperation, people who need healing throng many centers which are believed to be places of power for healing.
The Bible talks about Jesus, the Son of God who went about doing good and healing all kinds of diseases – bringing wholeness and healing to people in their body and mind. When Jesus had risen from the dead, he gave the authority and power to his disciples to drive out demons and heal all kinds of diseases. Since then, the church has been engaged in the ministry of healing.
Biblical Understanding of Healing: We must clearly understand the fact that Jesus never attempted to heal people without any relevance nor benefit to the Kingdom of God. When Jesus began his ministry, he began to preach: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.” Whenever there came opportunities for him to heal, he never separated the body from the spirit. When he healed the paralytic man, he told him before hand: “Your sins are forgiven.” (Mk. 2:9).
There is a reference here that some diseases are the direct result of certain sins committed by the individuals. However, we must remember the fact that not all diseases are the result of sins alone. We live in a sinful world which is under the curse. But the gospel states that Christ, who became on our behalf the curse, removed the sting of that curse when he dies for us on the cross. This means the consequences of eternal punishment of sin – i.e., eternal judgment had been removed. Man is set free. “He who believes in Christ will not perish, but have eternal life…” is the promise given by God. However, those who believe in Christ still suffer physically. All the causes of pain and suffering is not known to man fully. But the church is called to work towards alleviating the suffering and bring healing to the world.
Healing Misunderstood: There is a section of Christian community that emphasizes bodily healing alone as above every aspect of healing. The Bible also talks about being healed and delivered of our mind and spirit. People quoting from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah say that we are healed by his stripes and emphasize that Christ died on the Cross for us to be healed from our diseases. The question we need to raise is this: Are all our diseases healed by Christ in this world? Jesus indeed performed miracles and healed people of their diseases. But he did not heal every one of them.
Purpose of Healing Ministry: Clearly, the outcome of any healing ministry is glorifying God. By this, the one who received healing may put his faith and trust in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is an avenue of ministry through which the Lord draws people to himself. Today, there are countless testimonies of people of other faiths who have received the healing touch of the Lord, walked into the fold of faith and have declared their faith through the act of baptism.
Medical Mission of the Church: The ministry of the church in the area of healing has produced tremendous results in all the continents of the world. Many medical missions have come to serve the community far and wide. In Velloor, the work of Dr. Ida Scudder and the C.M.C. in Vellore is commendable. Unfortunately, many church run hospitals lie in deplorable conditions. There are not many dedicated medical personnel available to serve in the rural areas. People perish where there is no vision. The church must wake up to the grim realities of the society. Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth and light of the world.”
The Church is called as the healing community. More missionary doctors and para-medical personnel must be raised within the church to meet the demand of the healing ministry.
Lovingly Yours. Johnyachen
