Faith Footsteps: Sixth Episode
Jesus ministry assignment was clear from the beginning: preach salvation.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15
It’s a simple message but, oh, how hard it is for some to humble themselves before God, however, Jesus was clear: repentance must come before faith but after that ‘all things are possible’.
Traveling through the gospels we find Jesus preaching inside a house and four men, whose friend was paralyzed, heard He was filled with power for healing (Luke 5:17-26). Those intercessors put steps to their faith when they couldn’t get in and hoisted the man to the roof lowering him down. When Jesus saw their faith He declared the forgiveness of sins and the healing of his body. The Lord always sees the upper story as most important, spirital wholeness, but He also cares about the lower story: our physical wholeness.
While Jesus was dining with a Pharisee a sinful woman came weeping and anointed His feet. This step of faith and humility caused Jesus to respond to her:
“Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50
Are you praying for someone’s physical healing and it hasn’t come? Maybe God is telling you to consider their salvation; it’s the most important step. Possibly, He’s asking you to take step of faith and share the good news that Jesus is the Savior as well as the Healer who loves them.
Patterning his ministry after Jesus, Peter saw faith in a lame beggar (Acts 3), declared healing, and the man began to walk. Giving glory to Jesus he declared:
“And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16
Paul also saw faith in a man of Lystra (Acts 14:8-10) who was lame from birth and listening to the gospel: Faith comes by hearing. Paul shouted to him,
“Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. Vs. 10
Preaching the gospel is designed to bring healing: physical and spiritual and there’s evidence to prove it. Even a Roman officer responded to what he had heard of Jesus because his servant was paralzed, suffering, and almost dead. He asked Him to simply ‘say the word’ and his servant would be healed.
And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. Matthew 8:13
It’s exciting to see people believe and receive healing by faith in His Name and word; who needs to hear that good news from you?
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