Podcast-Feed16th May 2010 - Dave Harper - Healing
Dave looked at the commissioning of Jesus to do the things that he had been doing John 14:12. He indicated that it is a matter of believing in Him (‘anyone who believes in me’) and that it was ‘because I am going to the Father’. The significance of this is that the Holy Spirit would be given in power eg John 16:7, “If I go I will send the Counsellor to you” Acts 1:8,”You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you”, or Luke 24:49 where Jesus said “I am going to send you what my Father has promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high”
To do the things that Jesus did we have to be convinced that it is God’s will to heal the sick and diseased. We looked at how Jesus healed all who came to him and every disease and sickness. And the reason given in a number of places is God’s compassion for those in such need. Healing is a revelation of the extravagant mercy of the heart of God. FF Bosworth says “It is not what God can do but what he yearns to do that inspires faith” .
The end of Matthew 9:35 through into ch10:1 reveals God’s plan to express his compassion through us, that the workers into His harvest field may be multiplied. To equip the initial 12 it says ‘He gave them authority to heal every disease and sickness’ Matt 10:1. In verse 8 Jesus says “Heal the sick”! Healing is not about me or my faith level, its the Father’s love for that person
Dave looked at the authority the risen and ascended Jesus has given us to do the works of the Kingdom – we have been licensed to heal with his authority. To act on this authority takes conviction about God’s will to heal and courage to be bold. Bill Johnson says “I live on the edge of impossibility. I lay hands on, turn my heart towards the Lord and pray my best prayer”
Questions
Are you convinced that Jesus healed all those who came to him? What does this say about his attitude to sickness? (We looked at a series of verses in Matt – 4:25; 9:35; !2:15; 14:36; 14:13-14)
So is it God’s will to heal all who come to Him?
Has Jesus commissioned us to do the same? (Matt 10;1,8)
Jesus said anyone who had faith in Him would do the things he had been doing (John 14:12). The healings in the book of Acts confirms this. How much faith do you need to pray for the sick?
Listen now! (0:50min / 13MB)