Jehovah-Rapha: The God Who HealsSample

Title: He Does Not Change Devotional Content: He was a pastor who carried God’s message of salvation to the indigenous people in South America. One day, he was summoned by a villager to come quickly to the bedside of a dying infant. The mother believed that Jesus could save her child. What she didn’t know was that he came from a background that believed God healed in the past, but not today, and that the gifts of the Spirit were only for Bible times. He looked at the desperate mother, her eyes pleading for her child’s life, and the impossible situation facing him. Not knowing what else to do, and knowing full well his unbelief, he prayed for Jesus to heal the child. Jesus did, and this pastor’s ministry changed forever. In His own ministry, Jesus didn’t explain through words alone that He had come to forgive sins and give eternal life. Traveling throughout Galilee, He combined preaching with healing the sick and expelling demons as a demonstration of the fullness of Gospel. And He didn’t stop there. First, He sent out His disciples with power and authority to do the same things He was doing. Then, He extended the same mission to all believers. The ministry of the apostles further showed that healing and miracles were a central and vital part of the early Church and God’s message to the world. In convincing the Gentiles by miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit, the Apostle Paul said he had fully presented the Good News. Jesus wants to do everything through His people now that He did when He was here on the earth. He said anyone who believes in Him will do the same works He has done and even greater works. This woman with the sick child took Jesus at His word. She needed more from this pastor than just hearing the message of salvation. She needed him to fully present the Good News. She expected to experience the power of Jesus through him. Jesus healed then, and He heals now . He does not change. Lord, forgive me for doubting that Your healing power is available today. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. I want more than a Gospel of head knowledge and the promise of salvation. I want a Gospel of power. I take You at your word, Lord. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals.