The Lord Who Heals 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

The Lord said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you. — Exodus 15:26    


Our Lord has sometimes been called the "Great Physician." One of the names for God in the Old Testament is Rapha, meaning "the Lord who heals." Some of us in the Christian faith have misunderstood his job description as a healer. You and I are both aware of the fact that there are thousands of walking physical miracles where God has demonstrated his healing power. Cancer is healed, the lame walk and literally sometimes the blind have been given back their eyesight. The way I read the Bible, we are commanded by God to pray for the healing of the sick; sometimes, but not all the time, there is an instantaneous healing.

I see the "Great Physician" more like most modern-day doctors. They examine us, consult with us, work on us, and even oversee our rehabilitation. Rapha - God - has the same job description.

God examines us.... He watches over us and examines our every need.

God consults with us.... He guides our life and, often through circumstances, gives us direction. He listens to our requests and responds.

God works on us.... Sometimes we need to be cut and disciplined. He is constantly giving us help to become whole.

God oversees our rehabilitation.... Once we are on the way to wholeness and healing, he doesn't leave us but watches over us and protects our healing.

I don't know about you but I'm glad he is called Rapha: the Lord who heals.      

To comment on today's devotional, click here .


       

GOING DEEPER:

1. Describe a few situations when you have experienced God as your healing physician.

2. What do you think Exodus 15:26 really means?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 107:19-22


HomeWord
Encouraging Parents…Building Families

Other FREE resources from HomeWord and Jim Burns:
-
7 Minutes to Being a Better Parent
-Download HomeWord's daily broadcast
-Get your toughest parenting questions answered
HomeWord provides bottom-shelf, real-life, practical resources ranging from 411 (information) and 911 (crisis resources) to help parents.