October 4, 2021
Scripture: This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17
Observation: In chapter 8, Matthew reports that Jesus healed the diseased of body and mind. Whether it be touching an untouchable leper (verses 1-4), pronouncing healing of a Centurians’s servant sight-unseen (verses 5-13), or by commanding demons to leave two demon-possessed men (verses 28-32), Jesus demonstrated his authority and compassion to heal the brokenhearted. But as Matthew reminds us, our Suffering Servant ultimately sought to fulfill his prophetic calling: to bear our illnesses and diseases through his sacrificial death (Isaiah 53:4). At the end of Matthew’s Gospel account, Jesus would complete his mission on a cross and bring healing to our sin-diseased spirits (27:45-50).
Takeaway: Certainly, we should come before the throne of God in prayer and intercede for those who struggle with infirmities of the mind and body, but sin does the most damage. Unrepented sin will destroy the soul. Thankfully, for we who know and love Jesus, our Savior has remedied our condition of sin and has given us the Holy Spirit and the community of believers to expose our blind spots. But for the lost, we need to be even more vigilant in prayer regarding the ultimate healing of their souls. Eternity is at stake.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for sending us your Son, who has brought healing to our sin-diseased spirits. Please help us to be attentive in prayer for those whose souls remain in jeopardy, that they might come to repentance and discover the joy of your salvation. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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