Healing Launches into the Deep
"Healing is assured for all as we launch into the Deep at Christ’s Word"
What is a Christian life
Obedience emphasized
Authority given
Healing, miracles and signs
The Great Commission
Unfinished Commission
Excuse is no excuse
Gifts given when needed
Partial obedience
Many gifts
Disbelief needs healing
Our inheritance
Gifts vs. senses
Who has the gifts
What time is the right time?
Not by sight but obedience
Spirit given to all equally
Launch out
In our world today, the technical and communication advancements are state of the art. The churches have also made use of these and these have become tools to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Despite all these efforts, in many parts of the world, Christians are in minority. Also, in general, the church attendance is on the decline. We are facing a problem.
Christians have been fishing so far in shallow water. Jesus told His disciples: “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4). When they did so, they had a great catch and others came for helping them. Likewise, He says to us to launch out into the deep. When we will do it, it will surprise us all. Then others will join us in bringing the multitude of fish, for He had said, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
What is a Christian life
A Christian life starts when we meet Jesus. Then as His children, we become the recipient of eternal life. Therefore, this life should be very exciting because with every step, it takes us higher into the realm of glory. At this time, we are also given authority to become ambassadors of Christ in this world. Hence, we represent our King in a world that is sin-ridden and where sickness, disease and evil are rampant. This authority is essential for us to fight against the principalities, powers and spiritual wickedness in order to bring peace in our turbulent society.
Obedience emphasized
There are many blessings God wants to pour upon us, but somehow we know that we are not receiving much. When we search the Scriptures, we find that we are not obedient to His call as His Son was obedient. Therefore, God is no much pleased with us.
Both in the Old and New Testaments state clearly that we listen to the promised Messiah, His beloved Son, and our Jesus. Therefore, a voice came from heaven in the hearing of John the Baptist and all that were present, saying: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). On the Mount of Transfigurations, God again said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). The early Church emphasizing it says: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you” (Acts 3:22). At the time of His first miracle in Cana of Galilee, Mary told the servants: “whatever he saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). The Lord’s Prayer teaches us saying: “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Authority given
Jesus told His disciples in Galilee: “launch out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). They caught so many fishes that their partners in the other ship were called in. Then, just before He went up to heaven, He gave them the Great Commission. Thus He told them the way they were to accomplish this commission. They thus went, teaching all that the Lord had commanded, and healed all that were sick. The Lord, it is recorded, worked with them as they followed the commission.
Jesus also began His ministry by going to places, teaching and healing all. From that time, He started telling His disciples to do the same. At these times, he anointed them with the divine authority; and so they did accordingly. Thus with great rejoicing, they reported: “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name” (Luke 10:17). After He was taken up, they continued acting under the same authority. They reported affirmatively: “the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20).
When we consider healing, it is sad that some doubt it and some consider that it does not involve the presence of God. Others say that it is not for our times. The Scripture state clearly: “I am the Lord that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). It is only His presence that causes the healing. The missing ingredient is our obedience. It is His presence and our obedience that causes the Master to come and touch the situations. One famous chorus states it well -
“He touched me, and O the joy that fills my heart.
Something has happened, and this I know,
He touched me and made me whole.”
Healing, miracles and signs
Jesus said to this noble man who had sought Him to heal his son: “except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe” (John 4:48). Then He told him: “Go thy way; thy son liveth” (John 4:50). He believed Jesus and his son lived. Healing, miracles, signs and wonders are the works of the living God. He has also given the same authority to us His followers. The Apostle Paul did many miracles, for he wrote: “through mighty signs and wonders … I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:19). He fully preached the gospel that included the Kingdom in power.
This divine authority was necessary for the Church to continue the works that Jesus Himself did. Thus when He told them to go into the world, He had put His cloak upon His faithful followers.
The Great Commission
In the beginning of His ministry, Jesus had called His disciples by saying: “Come ye after me” (Mark 1:17). They left all and followed Him (Mark 1:16-20). Now, in His resurrection, He calls us to follow the Great Commission. Therefore, we must leave all our ways and follow it fully as He told us. This is the guidepost of Christianity.
Unfinished Commission
Indeed, Christians have gone all over the world and preached faithfully. But we have forgotten that the healing, miracles, signs and wonders show forth the power of the Kingdom. In addition to going and preaching, this also is a part of the Great Commission with the divine authority. This third part of the commission we have not followed and thus have reduced our effectiveness greatly. King Solomon mentioned that a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Because of our disobedience, the three-fold cord has become only two-fold.
We often hear rumour that healing was only for the early Church and have been plagued. Miracles, signs and wonders are the integral part of God’s authority given to the Church, which represents the Kingdom with power. We have listened to others rather than God and have become weak. Like Adam and Eve, we have indeed disobeyed God.
Excuse is no excuse
When talking about healing, many think that it is a strange doctrine. Others, who are open to it, say ‘but I don’t have this gift.’ Another person may say: ‘I don’t have the gift of preaching;’ or, ‘I cannot go because there are others who are better than I.’ Our organizations also say that you cannot go unless you are trained. We forget that the author of our faith has given the authority and commission to us. We are His ambassadors because of this authority. All the disciples were given this authority and they reported the result of their obedience (Mark 16:20). Prior to this, these disciples had not known that they could do the things that Jesus did. Jesus gave them the power to perform miracles, signs and wonders. He also gave them the power over the works of the devil. They were now to launch out into the deep as Jesus had told them. It became their inheritance by a simple act of faith in Christ Jesus. When they acted upon this authority, the results were phenomenal because they obeyed. Their joy now had become a blessing to many. There is so much power in His name.
God has given us the divine authority which has all the gifts wrapped in it. They are available to us whenever there is a need for these. We are only expected to be faithful in executing them. Therefore, act graciously and do not doubt.
Gifts given when needed
The gifts expressed by the Apostle Paul are not any different. If a preacher does not preach, how can he say that he does not have the gift of preaching? He discovers it when he launches out in faith. And so it is the case with the other spiritual gifts. Jesus gives these gifts to us when there is a need for it and we are obedient in executing the authority.
The Father in heaven has told us that we should listen to His Son. The Old and New Testaments clearly testify of Jesus. Thus, it is written: “him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you” (Acts 3:22). When we listen to Jesus, He says that we shall do greater works (John 14:12). He sealed His promises on the cross with His blood; and in His resurrection, the Great Commission reconfirmed it. Now, under these dynamics, He wants us to launch out under His command and authority.
The spiritual gifts are given to individuals expressly at the time there is need for these. These gifts are real because the Giver of these is present when they are needed. In His presence one cannot say that healing and miracles are not for our times, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day and for ever” (Hebrew 13:8). Before any king, the one thing that is required is obedience. Therefore, even to think that we have the gift or not, is a question that does not arise. In simple awe of His presence, all that we ask in His name will be done. In obedience, His desire becomes ours by His Spirit, and all that transpires is marvelous.
Whatever Jesus did, so He commands His body to do - to carry the torch. The virtues still flow from Him. From His presence, rivers of life-giving waters still flow. It is sad that by our disobedience we have deprived many of its water.
Partial obedience
A partial obedience is like a man taking a flight but not able to land safely. Jesus said: “many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (Matthew 19:30). Many have tried to be the first but have partially obeyed. This has not given them a very safe landing. Jesus says: launch out into the deep for there are plenty of fish. It is His command. If we would simply obey Him, He will surprise all. Since Jesus came, the world has not been the same. If we would obey Him exactly as He says, our churches will glow with the glory of God and the world will not be the same.
The world is waiting for a move of God, but we have followed our ways. It seems there is no fear of God among His people for we do not do what He has commanded. We have so much doubt about His commands and trust more on our ways. We have partially used the authority that has been given to us. For it, we have to give an account to God.
Jesus said: “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:15). We, therefore, need to come to Him daring to call Him, Father, and not trusting in the rumours or boasting of the excellence of our knowledge. Surely, God’s ways are much higher than ours could ever be.
Many gifts
Apostle Paul has stated that there are: “diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). We know that His disciples were gifted with more than one gift because they all were told to go, preach and heal. They all had gifts. The Holy Spirit that worked in them also enables us to use these gifts effectively. The early disciples were wise as they walked in obedience. For in obeying, we keep His commands, and in disobeying we become blind and fall short of His glory.
Disbelief needs healing
The authority given to the believers has been greatly marred and ridiculed. It has grieved the Holy Spirit. Our great dependence on human achievements, advances in modern technology and educational systems have deprived us of the joy of obedience to the Lord. The early Church had this joy. Because they were obedient, they were victorious. Healing, signs and wonders in Jesus’ name were the cause of church’s phenomenal growth. Today, those who do not believe in healing and miracles need to be healed of their unbelief. Isaiah clearly wrote: “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). If it is our unbelief, there is a need for us first to be healed of it. The Kingdom of God is in power. Now is the time that our disbelief should be ridiculed. We need to be revived.
Our inheritance
In the Great Commission we have a great inheritance. If we are born again, it is because He has healed us spiritually and we have the eternal life. But God has made us both spiritual and physical. Since we are also physical beings, physical healing is also certain for they both proceed from the same source and compliment each other. Become of the blood covenant Jesus made with mankind, whatever He has made possible for our spiritual life, so He has done for our physical well being also. Divine healing is for us and is the Magna Carta of our faith.
Gifts vs. senses
God has given mankind the gifts of five senses. It is well known that these senses function differently among individuals. For example, some came to Jesus who had no sight, others who were deaf, etc. Because they had some impediment or the other, they came to Jesus and He healed them all. Likewise, in some of us, one spiritual gift may not be as active as in another. No one needs to say that they do not have this gift. Even if that gift is completely inactive, Jesus can activate it in us. Our coming to Him is also an act of our obedience because He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Therefore, come.
The authority Jesus gave to His disciples is for every believer, because He gives it impartially – like the five senses that we all have. As our senses work in different proportions, so are the spiritual gifts that Paul stated in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12. But like the five senses, Jesus “gave them (His followers) power and authority over the devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2). So are we also given the Great Commission and the invested authority in it. Like our senses, it is ours, therefore.
Who has the gifts
None of the early disciples had known, that, being His followers, they had these gifts until they went and did as Jesus told them. Most of them were fishermen. At Jesus’ saying, they caught a multitude of fish because He told them to launch into the deep. When He was taken up to heaven, they continued to obey Him. They went, spread the net of the Gospel and realized that Jesus had indeed made them ‘fisher of men.’ And the Church grew enormously. Since then, the world has not been the same. They rejoiced greatly for the Lord worked with them. The Holy Spirit helped them and they brought much fruit.
What time is the right time?
I have often experienced that when the Holy Spirit inspires one to do something, that, that is the precise time to obey Him. For example, Philip was transported to meet the Ethiopian eunuch at the right time he was returning home. And “the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Now the Holy Spirit says to us to join the chariot of obedience (for it was the obedient servant who rode on that chariot and requested to be baptized also). Whenever the Holy Spirit inspires us to pray for the sick and needy, it is in God’s timing and surely something good happens every time. Otherwise, we grieve the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, we find that many times God was grieved with the disobedience of His people because they did not do what God told them and neither repented of their unbelief, though God had been so good to them. They went to exile time and again and deprived themselves of many of His promised blessings.
Not by sight but obedience
Sometime, while praying for the sick or laying hand on such, we do not see the signs of recovery. But our God, who sees that we have obeyed Him, answers our prayer often in a more majestic way than what we had prayed. It is possible that sometimes we may not see the result of our prayer for. So, when we may not see the result of our prayer, we must remind ourselves that a prayer made in the Spirit brings more useful results than if we had not prayed. Also God’s timing is perfect for all our shortcomings. If, on the other, we would see the result, it might boost our ego. We are commanded to pray and will be justified for our obedience only.
Spirit given to all equally
No one can say, I don’t have this gift or the other for it is the same Spirit that imparts these. Some may have fewer gifts than another, but if we have the same Spirit, it is the Spirit that does all things well. The Holy Spirit, with whom all things are possible, waits for our obedience. If we have not stepped into His gifts, we can have them by asking Him. He gives liberally. For He has said: “ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).
Launch out
It is to our glory to obey Him. So in any situation we should be happy to hasten His kingdom. Great is His expectation from His children. Our obedience to do His pleasure will unfold the doors of heaven in showering of His blessings upon His Church. All His blessings are ours, for Jesus is ours. Only believe Him fully. Paul says: “do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Therefore, to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to act upon the divine authority, for in it is our wisdom. Let us all launch out into the deep, grasp hold of the authority given to us, for we need to hear Him say to us: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).
At Jesus Feet - Ottawa, Canada, 2005
e-mail: acparshad@hotmail.com