Tag: Isaiah 53:4
Day 5–Jesus made House Calls!
Scripture reading for May 22: Matthew 8:14-17 “And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him. 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. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.””
Jesus loved to go where the hurting people were and bring healing to their souls and bodies. In this account, Jesus entered the home of Peter, one of the disciples, in the town of Capernaum. Jesus and His disciples had been ministering to the sick and healing people most of that day. In the house was Peter’s mother-in-law was lying sick. It is unclear if this was just a hospitality visit or if Peter had asked Jesus to come specifically to bring healing. Jesus, in compassion, reached out to touch the sick mother and her fever left immediately. Later that evening, many other people crowded around the house to seek healing and deliverance. Jesus reached out and spoke healing words to them and all were healed. Matthew states that in doing this, Jesus fulfilled prophetic Scripture from Isaiah 53:4.
As first responders and especially EMT’s and paramedics, we are often called to homes of hurting people. Sometimes we have a brief description of what is happening and other times the problem must be diagnosed through questions or deduction at the scene. Human touch is required and we must not act in fear, but faith to help the hurting. We must be gentle and caring, helping calm the emotions and facilitate timely treatment. As believers, it should comfort us to know that Jesus is with us and as we touch our patient, He is touching them too. Like Jesus, our goal is to see them raised up and able to serve again.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to demonstrate to us Your love and care for the diseased and sick. Thank You for meeting us where we live and reaching out to touch us when we are diseased. Thank You for the privilege of serving others where they work and live as You work with me. Amen.
Jesus’ view of demons
Scripture reading for January 10: Matthew 8
“And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him. 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. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”” Matthew 8:14-17
Our world works to try and explain everything naturally or scientifically. We are told sickness is the result of an infection or virus or failure in our immune system. Oppression and depression are treated with chemicals to raise our moods. Counseling or therapy seeks to deal with hidden past experiences or suppressed emotions. We have so called ‘experts’ in treating each disorder and believe that human ingenuity and medicine can overcome most things.
But Jesus Christ saw the world differently and brought a different approach to dealing with sickness, disease, and oppression. He recognized the spirit world and demons as real but under His authority. He reached out to touch those who were sick and His touch released them from the sickness. Peter’s mother-in-law was instantly healed of a fever and rose to serve Jesus and His disciples. This revelation motivated others who were hurting or had loved ones in distress to bring them to Jesus. The Scripture records Jesus healing them all and casting out demons by His command. He showed that He had authority over sickness and demons who would oppress men or women made in God’s image. This was foretold by Isaiah the prophet some seven hundred years before. (Isaiah 53:4)
What is your normal approach to sickness or disease or depression? Do you go to ‘experts’ first for help? Are you aware of Jesus’ approach and Scriptures that detail our authority and privilege to ask for healing and deliverance? Is there any change you should make to your world-view regarding these issues?
Prayer: Father, I am thankful that Jesus came and revealed Your heart towards those suffering with disease, sickness and oppression. Help me to overcome my natural tendencies to deal with everything my way or just as ‘experts’ tell me. Open my eyes to Your Word and authority in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The message of the cross
Scripture reading for November 21: 1st Corinthians 1-6
To educated people, Christ and the cross seems to be a foolish idea. It doesn’t make sense to the natural mind trained to trust senses, self, and science. It is not logical or even believable to many who have college degrees and have embraced modern secular humanism. To these people, religion is fine, but the cross is offensive! They are strong enough to handle life by themselves. But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong! (1st Corinthians 1:27)
The message of the cross is a message of God’s wrath against sin. God has decreed that the soul that sins must die. (Romans 6:23) Jesus Christ took the wages of man’s sin upon Himself and was beaten, mocked, spit upon, ridiculed, and crucified as a common criminal. Isaiah says that we considered Him “stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4) The punishment that we deserved fell upon Him and by His stripes we are healed! (Isaiah 53:5) God’s wrath was directed against His own Son, that we might be free from that wrath! (2nd Corinthians 5:21)
The message of the cross tells of God’s love for us who are made in His image. God Himself being willing to send His only Son to earth to die in our place tells the greatest love story ever told! “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) He demonstrated His love for us in that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners! (Romans 5:8) God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe on Him would not perish, but have eternal life! (John 3:16)
The message of the cross demands repentance and faith. We must turn from our self-centered ways and look to Jesus Christ for salvation and forgiveness of sin. This message is the power of God for salvation to those who will believe! (Romans 1:16-17) “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us Wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1st Corinthians 1:30)
We must be humble to receive this message of the cross. It is foolishness to those who claim worldly wisdom. It is weakness to those who think themselves strong. It is an offense to our intellect and strength, but it is God’s wisdom for the humble! Oh how I love the cross and the One who gave His life for me!