Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Healing through faith and obedience”

Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14

V14: "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy”. 

DEVOTION

In 2 Kings 5:1-14 we read about a powerful man Naaman who humbled himself by listening to his servants and being convinced that he should try and act upon the words of prophet Elisa. Naaman thought that with his power he could be healed without undertaking the task that was handed out to him by the prophet. However, we read that healing was achieved by listening, being obedient and faithful.
In Jesus’ healing ministry we see the pattern of faith, action, and obedience repeated on several occasions. One such instance is described in Luke 5:17-26: Jesus healing a paralytic man in Capernaum. Jesus was moved by the faith of the people who brought the paralyzed man to him. They were steadfast in their faith that Jesus could heal the paralytic. Faith, friends, obedience, and action came together during this healing process. Jesus’ command to the paralyzed man, ‘pick up your mat and walk’, was followed up with obedience and action.
I want to close this devotion by comparing faith-based healing to science-based healing. I think, faith-based healing and science-based healing are not in conflict, but they co-exist. The development of science-based healing in an evolving process. It is paid for by taxpayers or governments and investors. However, the faith-based healing has already been paid for us by Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. Faith-based healing that we receive is free, but we need to make the effort to communicate and reach out to Jesus.
Are we surrounding ourselves with friends who give sound advice and are we prepared to act upon it?  Are we ready to hold fast to our faith and act? Jesus invites us to be with Him in our faith journey, be obedient, and to act. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for offering us your son Jesus Christ. Help us to understand that the faith-based healing has been paid for us by Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. Help us to come closer to you, listen to you and be obedient. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day

Faith, obedience, and action will help us get closer to Jesus Christ and experience his healing touch.


Varghese Manaloor
Trinity Mar Thoma Church, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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