PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
21

The Greater Purpose of Healing

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
[16]That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. [17]This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:16-17 ESV)
Observation
God loves people so much - He cares for all who are sick and oppressed that He does heal. But not all the sick and oppressed were healed even in Jesus’ day. My point through this passage is that Jesus many times had a greater and broader purpose for healing. He heals to fulfill - in this case as Matthew records, what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. God fulfilled His promise by sending a Messiah - His only begotten Son. But not only to heal the sick. I think ore importantly to proclaim the good news of salvation - Jesus as the sent Messiah to save people form their sins. This is the greatest sickness to be healed of.
Application
I’ve wanted to be used of God to bring healing to the sick and oppressed. But is that desire for a greater purpose? I think so but I know my intentions and desires is not always to give God glory - but to be recognized. The danger in being “mightily used of God” is that self righteousness, pride and the applause of man haunts the “mighty man or woman of God.”

I’m thankful that He is and will always be GOD ALMIGHTY. He heals and has mercy on whom He chooses. May I be a servant of His purposes, however great or tiny - all for His glory. Whether man sees, recognizes, applauds or not - unto God be my life’s surrender and all the glory! I will still ask God to use me in the area of prayer, healing, deliverance - as He wills - for His greater purposes! The Greater Purpose - that many would be forgiven of their sins, hearing and receiving the love of Jesus!
Prayer
Dear Lord - Whether you heal people through me - or simply love people through me - may I be a servant no matter what the role or assignment. May Your greater purpose of salvation touch the hearts of all those I am honored and called to serve and minister to.

Devotions for April 21

1 Samuel 24
Psalm 57,58
1 Chronicles 8
Matthew 8

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