Good Morning!
I’m amazed at how fast the sunrise is marching north on the eastern horizon every morning. It’s not only noticeable, it’s startling how much it moves. Now, all this is because of the earth’s axis in relation to its orbit around the sun. I get that. But, spring and fall are times that seem as if the carnival ride finally whips around. It’s pretty cool.
Last night I carefully poured over Psalm 103. This is one of my favorites, right behind Psalm 91. Let’s take a couple of sections.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
When I read this last night, it really struck me how God has already answered all this for me. The key is that some of it is yet to be realized. One day, I will be either reunited with my new, transformed, imperishable, and eternal body or, if I am alive when Jesus returns, my body will change before my eyes. I’m pretty sure that this is talking about a promise fulfilled and yet to be completed. While my sins are forgiven, I will need forgiveness for sins I have yet to commit (1 John 1:9). Like it or not, I will not rid myself of sin until I rid myself of this sin-infested body of flesh. It is true that God does perform miracles and heals diseases here and now, but he doesn’t heal all of them. Does that invalidate anything? Certainly not. There is no disease in heaven. And while my spirit is renewed here on earth, it will ultimately be renewed in heaven when there is no more sin and I am in the presence of God.
So, I have that going for me.
We may be tempted to lay claim to some of this today, but I don’t think God intends for us to believe that ALL our diseases will be healed on earth. Spirit-filled Christians sometimes die of disease despite an army of people praying for healing. We all know that, but it’s easy to feel dismayed when a loved one’s body deteriorates. That opens the door for Satan’s temptation. Our unreasonable expectations can set us up for trouble.
On the other hand, we certainly have reason to pray for miracles. Jesus is still in the business of healing. Just yesterday, I listened to an interview of Lee Strobel on Greg Laurie’s radio show. During this, Lee spoke of a pastor who got some disease that almost completely destroyed his ability to speak. While he still could, he was so raspy and squeaky that it was very difficult to catch what he said. He was no longer able to preach and lost his ability to earn a living doing so. However, one congregation did invite him as a guest for one sermon, despite being warned about his condition. His sermon topic? Psalm 103. Strobel played back the recording of the sermon when he was covering Verse 3, and his voice started to change! In fact, each word was more and more clear! Of course, he stated that he couldn’t believe what was happening, and he started to weep, and the words kept getting clearer and clearer. Then the congregation started to weep and give praise. I tell you what, this was really something! Do yourself a favor and listen to the broadcast. https://harvest.org/resources/radio/lee-strobel-investigates-miracles-2/
So, yes, God does heal while we are still in our flesh, but, ultimately, our full healing will be in his presence. I guess that’s really what we should call good and be satisfied in that expectation.
Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.
My friends, it may be tempting to be discouraged when God doesn’t answer our prayer; but for those who fear him, all his promises will certainly be fulfilled.
Thank you, Father. Amen.
Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers