Yesterday we looked at Jesus’ conviction that healing belonged to the Jews because of the covenant God made with Abraham, demonstrated through the healings He performed. How could Jesus be so sure on this point? He was a student of the Word of God, and the Old Testament makes the promise of healing abundantly clear.
Let’s look at a few examples: When the Israelites left Egypt after the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, Psalm 105:37 records that there were no sick or feeble people among their tribes (NLT). Think of it, perhaps as many as several million people, all ages from infant to elderly, and not one person was sick or feeble among them. That is a miracle! Their strength was attributed to them partaking of the Passover lamb, which each household did in obedience to God. This lamb is a picture of Christ being sacrificed for us. We partake of Him by partaking of His Word -- for Christ is the Word made flesh.
Shortly after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, God revealed Himself in one of His covenant names to them as Jehovah-Rapha, “I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)
God’s promise to the Israelites traveling through the wilderness, where there were unknown threats from various diseases and apparent lack of food and water, was: “You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you …” (Exodus 23:25)
When the Israelites complained in the dessert about their circumstances, and God’s protection was lifted from them temporarily (let that be a warning to all of us), fiery serpents attacked the people, and many of those bitten died. However, when the people repented, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Whoever was bitten could look at this serpent and live. This, too, is a type of Christ on the cross, and whoever will look on Him can receive life, spiritually, emotionally and physically. (Numbers 21:5-9)
Moses’ instructions to the Israelites shortly before he died included this promise for those who would obey God: “You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you … and the Lord will take away from you ALL sickness…” (Deuteronomy 7:14-15)
This is only a small sample of the instances of God’s healing provision shown in the Old Covenant. How wonderful to know that we have a better covenant, established upon better promises! (Hebrews 8:6)
Confession: Jesus is the Lord who heals me.
Scriptures for meditation: Psalm 105:37; Exodus 15:26, 23:25; Numbers 21:5-9; Deuteronomy 7:14-15
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Copyright © 2007 by David Hagni. All rights reserved.