Healing

Matthew 8:16 (ESV)

That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

In A.D. 410, barbarian tribes poured into Rome, ravaging and pillaging the proud city. In response to critics who said the rise of Christianity had weakened Rome, Augustine, bishop of the city of Hippo in North Africa, wrote The City of God. In that lengthy book, which became a major influence in Western civilization, Augustine brought assurance to those who had been violated and explained how Christ brings hope to the world. In his writing Augustine aimed to bring the healing power of Christ and his good news to people’s traumatized hearts and lives.

The Lord Jesus himself was “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3). From the time of his boyhood in Bethlehem, where he barely escaped a massacre, to his death on the cross, he was the target of violence and hatred. But he moved with love among the people of Israel, healing miraculously with a touch or a word.

Over the door of a great hospital in New York City is an inscription: “Of The Most High Cometh Healing.” Whatever haunts your heart and threatens to leave your life a ruin, look to Jesus for healing. Remember, “He took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:4).

Dear Lord, thank You for the healing of physical pains and difficulties. But we know that the root of our trouble is deeper, and that only You can ultimately heal our souls. We pray that You will stretch out Your healing hand today. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.