September 14, 2004

THE ANOINTED HEALER

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has... sent Me to heal the brokenhearted" (Luke 4:18, NKJV).

Announcing His messianic mission, Jesus declared that He was anointed to do more than preach; He was to heal the brokenhearted. Preaching and healing were complimentary functions in His messianic mission. As a preacher, Jesus was peerless; as a healer, He was incomparable.

His healing miracles far outnumbered all His other types of miracles. No case ever baffled Him. Through His touch or word all who came to Him for healing were fully restored. His healing record is astonishing! The Bible confirms that "Jesus went throughout Galilee... healing every disease and sickness among the people" (Matthew 4:23, NIV). Dr. Luke adds, "He [Jesus} went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38, NIV, emphasis supplied).

The prime target of Jesus' healing ministry was those who were "broken-hearted." This included those who suffered from grief, disappointment, shattered dreams, and rejection; those who suffered the pain of psychological, spiritual, and emotional brokenness. Jesus came to heal all who are brokenhearted because of broken promises, broken homes, broken marriages, broken relationships, broken health, and broken spirits.

The One who was anointed to heal the brokenhearted is still available to heal our brokenness. He is on call twenty-four hours a day, every day of our lives, and He's only a prayer away. Ellen G. White gives this insight: "There were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house; for He [Jesus] had passed through them, and healed all their sick. His work gave evidence of His divine anointing... His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men. He took man's nature, that He might reach man's wants."--Bible Training School, January 1, 1899.

My Prayer Today: Lord, in my brokenness, I seek your wholeness. Touch me Lord and make me whole again. Amen.