Healing -Whose Responsibility?

The following is a prolegomenon (introductory essay) on healing and whose responsibility it is for healing.  Many times we have seen in the Dayspring Cancer Clinic people who have been waiting on God for their healing, saying “well, if it is God’s will for me to be healed then it will happen”.  As the following scriptures show, God has done all He has to do in Christ’s life, suffering, death and resurrection.  The scriptures further show, it is God who is waiting on man to believe for healing and not the other way around.

KJV unless otherwise noted.[1]

Matthew Chapter 9:  2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.  3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.  4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?  5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?  6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.  7 And he arose, and departed to his house.  8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

“Their faith…”  Christ saw their faith, THEIR FAITH.  These were people who were actively seeking the healing of their friend.  You, in coming to Dayspring, are also seeking a healing and this prolegomenon is to further that journey and quest.  Both you and the palsied group are active and proactive, neither was at home wishing and hoping.  Something else of note is that Christ forgave the palsied man’s sins parallel to his healing.  None of us is perfect but Christ in his love has forgiven us of our sins.  Forgiveness and healing go hand in hand.  Christ is willing to forgive, we need to accept that forgiveness and move on from there.

  20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:  21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.  22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Whose faith?  HER faith, not her husband or father or mother or sister or friend or pastor but HER faith.  It was her believing that brought the healing.  She acted on her believing and received her healing.  Again, she did not hope or wish for healing, she actively sought her healing and received.

27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

These two blind men were told that their healing was to be unto you according to your faith.  What set the standard and caused their healing was THEIR faith.  Not Christ’s faith or God’s willingness but THEIR faith.  What caused them to be healed was THEIR faith.  Their healing was dependent upon THEIR faith It wasn’t stated that “If it be God’s will” or “According to Christ’s ability”.  No, it was their faith that appropriated the healing.

Matthew Chapter 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

This is undoubtedly a difficult verse yet incredibly beautiful with a fuller translation.  Kenneth Wuest’s 1961 Expanded Translation says “Indeed, from the days of John the Baptizer until this moment, the kingdom of heaven is being taken by storm, and the strong and forceful ones claim it for themselves eagerly…”  As someone once said, the things of God do not come to those who wait around waiting for something to happen.  John G. Lake, a Christian missionary to South Africa called it “a strong man’s gospel”.  The church today needs today to believe and claim the promises that God has made to man.  Then the church will walk in power and deliverance.

Matthew Chapter 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Great was her faith.  Why? Even though she had no claims to Christ as she was a Gentile, she through her persistence and unwillingness to quit in the face of opposition finally obtained a healing for her daughter. May the present day church in similar fashion be said about it “Great is thy faith”.

Matthew Chapter 17:14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for oft times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Unbelief stops the promises of God and not God’s unwillingness to bring deliverance.  The smallest amount of believing brings tremendous results, even literally moving mountains. Believing brings deliverance.

Matthew Chapter 21:18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Doubt is the opposite of faith and is what stops the promises of God.  Believing brings the desired results.

If you want to see something happen after praying, believe.

Mark Chapter 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.22 And oft times it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

How utterly human, asking Christ “If you can do anything, help us”.  Really now, asking the Messiah if he can do anything.  How silly of a question! Christ turns the table on the man in order to help him by saying: If you can believe all things are possible to him who does this one thing, believe.  So if we believe we receive and if we do not believe then we do not receive.  Receiving the promises of God is dependent on our believing and not upon God’s willingness.

Mark Chapter 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

This is similar to the next record in Luke but in this one Christ is coming out of Jericho.  Many people are not named but this man was.  He casts aside his robe, probably a symbol of status, and comes to Jesus as an ordinary man.  He receives his deliverance and Christ says that it was Bartimaeus’ faith that made him whole, not his preacher’s faith, or his wife’s faith or anyone else but his, Bartemaeus’, faith.

Luke Chapter 18:35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

This blind man was before coming into Jericho, blind Bartimaeus was after leaving Jericho.  Again, the common thread is “thy faith hath saved thee” because it is up to the individual to believe and thus receive deliverance.  The only time it is not up to the individual to believe is dead people, mentally incapacitated and children (then it is up to the parents to believe for the child).

Mark Chapter 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

This is an interesting record because the miracle did not immediately happen but rather took time.  Often a miracle takes time to occur and we need to remain faithful until the miracle fully happens.   Again, Christ speaks of believing (and not doubting) that will bring miracles to pass.

Luke Chapter 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

The religious leader did not do the customary rituals of welcoming Christ to his house.  Who did?  A sinner, what we would call a “bad person” today. And Christ says to this sinner to go in peace and that her faith hath saved her.  Whose faith?  Her faith. Her past actions did not stop her from receiving her healing as she came to Christ with faith.

Luke Chapter 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Christ admonishes the disciples for not having faith.  It appears that the disciples should have themselves calmed the seas through their faith and not wait for someone else to have faith. With faith even a powerful storm is stopped as faith can bring the impossible to pass upon command.

43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

As in Matthew chapter 9, here was a woman who was evidently very weak from a loss of blood but her faith propelled her through the crowd to where she could get healed.  It was her faith, her faith, that made her whole and not anyone else’s.

Matthew Chapter 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

What stopped the power of God and Christ healing the multitudes?  Was it an inability of God?  Christ’s shortcoming or unwillingness? No, heaven forbid the thought.  What stopped the magnificent display of God’s power was “their unbelief”. We need to be honest and not blame God for our lack of believing.  The burden is on us to believe. God has done all He can do and is waiting for us to believe.

Luke Chapter 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Oh my, is there a pattern? “Thy faith hath made thee whole” seems to be a common thread throughout these healing records. So let’s believe and give God the glory for our miraculous healings.

The Power of Believing

Luke Chapter 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

The mustard seed of the East is much smaller than the mustard seed we in America are used to seeing.  Their mustard seed is a tiny black fleck slightly larger the size of the period at the end of this sentence and yet Christ says that amount of believing can move a tree.  Wow! The things that faith can accomplish!

Ephesians Chapter 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Want to see the exceeding greatness (and just not greatness but EXCEEDING greatness)?  Then believe.

Ephesians Chapter 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

What works in us is the believing to see God do wonderful things for us and then God is able to do not just abundantly but exceeding that, exceeding abundantly for us.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

“…effectually worketh” is the one Greek word energeo from which we get the English word “energize”. In the Greek it is in the middle voice which grammatically means that the subject acts upon itself. As in “she brushed her hair” and not “someone brushed her hair for her”. The middle voice is showing that as the individual believes for themselves then the word of God is energized in them and thus the results of God’s word come to pass in their life. Others can believe with them but in most cases the individual needs to believe for themselves.

What Christ accomplished for us in health and healing.

Christ Our Passover Lamb

First we will look at what the Passover lamb was to Israel and then see what Christ our Passover lamb is to us.

Exodus Chapter 12:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.

There were two parts to the Passover lamb, the blood and the body.  The body was to be eaten for the healing of the children of Israel as we shall see the results of the Passover in this next verse.

Psalms 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

It is estimated that 2 ½ million people left Egypt and there was not a single feeble person because in the eating of the body of the Passover lamb they had healing wherever healing was needed.

1 Corinthians Chapter 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Christ is our Passover.  We no longer need to sacrifice a Passover lamb because Christ is our Passover lamb once and for all.  Christ’s work was a completely finished work.

Luke Chapter 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Just as the first Passover lamb, there were two parts, the body and the blood.  The body was for healing and the blood for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians Chapter 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

We see in this section that one of the main purposes of communion is for healing.  Those that did not understand the fullness of communion did not reap the benefits of communion and so “many are weak and sickly and many sleep [die prematurely].”  The eating unworthily means that they do not understand the fullness of what they are doing in communion.  Literally the word means “improper manner”

Isaiah Chapter 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Here in Isaiah we see that with the coming of Christ that we were to be healed by the stripes that he bore for us, taking stripes for us in our place.  Isaiah is looking into the future with the coming of Christ.

1 Peter Chapter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Then with the coming of Christ and looking back at what he has accomplished, we see that with his stripes we WERE healed.  It is pass tense and thus an accomplished work by Christ. Healing is now a “done deal” thus it is up to us, by believing, to claim our personal healing.

Let’s now take a look at what Christ did for people.

Matthew Chapter 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

He healed all.  I would think that in that inclusive group there were some people who were not “saints”, meaning living lives perfect and unblemished by sin and shortcomings.  Yet he healed all.  Nowhere do we see that Christ singles someone out and says that they need to “suffer for the Lord” a little longer, or that that they were not righteous enough or had not done enough for God or any other excuse to not be healed.  He healed all that were sick. ALL.

Matthew Chapter 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Again, Christ healed all.  No one was missed.  There was no problem too big or did Christ say that someone was not deserving or worthy or that it was not the right time for them to be healed.

Mark Chapter 1:33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Christ healed “many” meaning a large number were healed. It was not a spotty ministry of healing with one here and one there over the years.  He healed many, he healed a great number of people and the power of God did not run out or come up short.

Luke Chapter 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

He healed them all.  Again, no one got missed or had too big (or too small) of a problem for Christ to handle. All were healed. Wow!

Christ’s Followers

Acts Chapter 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Every one.  If you were there, you got healed and no one was missed. Every one.  No one was left hidden in a corner or overlooked.  And who was doing this?  Peter, not Christ, as we see that the ministry of healing that Christ had was transferred and now Peter and others were doing the healing.

Acts Chapter 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

It says in verse 9 that Ananias was just a certain disciple.  He was certainly not Christ or even an apostle. Just a certain disciple who was meek and humble enough to listen to the Lord, believe and follow instructions. It was the willingness of Ananias to follow the Lord’s guidance that brought healing to Paul.

John Chapter 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

If someone believes on Christ then he is to do the works of Christ.  Well, what was that?  Raise the dead, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, cleanse the lepers, feed the multitudes, etc.  If someone is not doing these things then they scripturally are the anomaly and not the normal pattern.

Mark Chapter 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

How clear is this, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.  “Shall” means absolutely recover.  This is not the usual pattern in our culture but it is our culture that is abnormal and not the other way around.

James Chapter 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

We are to be praying for the sick and they should be recovering.  The scriptures set the standard of what is to be done and believed.  The prayer of FAITH SHALL [“shall” means absolutely, “will” would just denote a simple possibility] SAVE THE SICK.  The scriptures are God’s Word and what God has to say about life and living.  Then as we believe we will receive what is available.

What about death?

Hebrews Chapter 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Who has the power of death?  God?  No, the devil has the power of death.

1 John Chapter 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

God is light and in case someone does not fully understand that then it is also phrased as a negative “and in him is no darkness at all”.  As we just saw, the devil has the power of death while God is the exact opposite.  God is light and life.  He pulls people to Him through His goodness as it says in Romans 2:4 “knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”.  The devil is evil and has the power of death while God is life, light, love and goodness.

1 Corinthians Chapter 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Death is an enemy, not a friend.

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

The Tanakh, the Jewish Publication Society’s translation of this verse says:  “The death of his faithful ones is grievous in the Lord’s sight.”  The word precious means “costly, of great value”.  It costs God something when one of His children dies.

Then how do we believe, how do we build our faith?

Romans Chapter 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Time spent in the scriptures, reading, hearing Bible teaching tapes, speaking with someone about the scriptures, etc. will all build believing.  Memorizing appropriate verses and repeating those verses to one’s self is a fantastic way to build faith.  If one has a negative or doubtful thought, replace that negative thought with three pertinent promises from the scriptures.  If it comes up once an hour, then repeat those three verses once an hour.  If the thought is a nagging thought and comes up once a minute then repeat those three verses once a minute.  So will the promises of the scriptures overwhelm the negativity.  This principle is fantastic to overcome doubt and what is holding one down from believing the promises of God.  See 11 Cor 10:3-5 for the reasoning behind this technique.

Romans Chapter 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Abraham was fully persuaded that what God had promised He was both able and willing to do and so Abraham reaped the benefits.  A key is to be strong in faith and give God the glory and the praise for doing what He said, what He promised to do within the scriptures.

Romans Chapter 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?The operative word here is “freely”.  God gave us His son to suffer and then die for mankind. So why would He hold anything else back from us?  He won’t.  By simply believing what God has promised us in the scriptures, we will receive that which He wants us to have.  God will then be glorified by the deliverance.

When does this stop?

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

As long as Christians are walking around without their new body, then these promises are valid. And hey, if we get our new body then those cares and concerns are history.

Conclusion:  Helpers of Your Joy

2 Corinthians Chapter 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

By faith, by believing, does one stand and we have seen the critical importance of the individual believer standing on their own faith.  It is the goal and purpose of Dayspring Cancer Clinic to help individuals believe and stand on their faith to the end that they obtain healing.  We are helper of your joy.

Romans Chapter 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

There is peace and joy in believing.  As you the patient of Dayspring Cancer Clinic believe the promises of God’s Word, you will abound because of the power of the Holy Spirit that is available through the life, death and resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah Chapter 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

God wants to heal you and it is not difficult for Him.

Isaiah Chapter  59:1a  Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save…

God has the power, the might and the ability to save, to heal and to bless your life. That is what He wants for you. You only need to believe. Cry out!  Ask God for His blessing and healing to be upon your life.

Numbers Chapter 23:19 God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

As we have seen, God’s will is health and healing for you. All that is needed is for you to ask God for Him to fulfill His promises to you. And this asking is akin to going to a bank and asking for the teller to give you some of the money in your account. There is a confidence and boldness in asking, it is not either timid or fearful but a righteous, bold demand for what rightfully belongs to you.

Psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine inequities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satiesfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Amen and amen.