Names of God series: Jehovah Rapha
When we hear the phrase “Divine Healing,” it can evoke a range of emotions. For some, it symbolises hope, faith, and miraculous testimonies of recovery. For others, it stirs skepticism and doubt. Miracles like cancer remission or restored hearing amaze us, yet we also witness devoted believers continuing to suffer and even die from their ailments, leading us to question: Why?
Some try to approach healing by seeking for a formula to follow. However, if you’re searching for this a simple look at the Gospels reveals the complexities of divine healing, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. The Gospels recount diverse healing stories: two blind men calling out to Jesus as the “Son of David” in Matthew, Jesus using spit and mud in John, and various other methods. These stories emphasise that it’s not about a specific ritual or formula but about pursuing God, the ultimate healer.
In Exodus 15:22-27, God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha—our Healer—not in a moment of sickness but in the Israelites’ suffering. This passage offers four profound insights when we face sickness or suffering:
- Dependence on God: Our bodies are imperfect and deteriorating. We cannot rely solely on ourselves. Just as Naaman, a mighty warrior, couldn’t cure his leprosy without divine intervention, we too must depend on God, especially when human efforts fall short. Just days ago, the people of Israel had been led over the Red Sea… now, no water! Who are they going to depend on? It must be God.
- Character Revelation: Suffering often exposes our true character. The Israelites, who celebrated God’s deliverance one moment, complained bitterly the next. Our response to adversity—whether we praise or complain—reveals the depth of our faith.
- Determination to Obey: Suffering can test our willingness to follow God’s instructions. Moses obeyed God’s seemingly irrational command to throw a log into bitter water, turning it sweet. Similarly, looking to the cross and embracing Jesus’ sacrifice can transform our bitterness into healing.
- Doctrine Revelation: Our first response to illness reveals our beliefs. Do we turn to God in prayer as James 5:13-20 instructs? Faithful prayer and dependence on God, coupled with obedience to His word, bring glory to God as our healer.
Ultimately, divine healing is about more than physical recovery; it’s about a deeper relationship with God. Through our trials, we learn to depend on Him, develop our character, and strengthen our faith. By His stripes, we are healed, both physically and spiritually, through the power of Jehovah Rapha.