Miraculous Healing: Myth versus Divine

Throughout history there have so called miraculous cures for disease.  In the sixteenth century Ponce de Leon searched the “New World” for the “fountain of youth”. In Europe there is the Grotto of Massabielle, in Lourdes, France. This is otherwise known as the “Grotto of Lourdes.” There it is reported that a peasant, Bernadette, saw a vision of the Virgin Mary, who pointed out a previously undiscovered spring and instructed her to drink from it. This spring has purported to have miraculous healing properties.

But we don’t need to look for some ancient grotto in a distant time or place. There are similar items that are touted to cure this or that disease. Recently the acia berry is purported to have miraculous healing properties. About twenty years ago, vitamin E was supposed have been a cure for many diseases. Now, I am not disparaging real, hard medical science. Millions of doctors and research scientists have worked very hard and have produced many cures of many diseases. No, what I am talking about is those things that are purported to have almost mythical or magical healing powers.

In John, chapter five, we have a similar situation. Jesus enters Jerusalem via the Sheep Gate.  There was a pool, near this gate called Bethesda. Supposedly, an angel of the Lord would stir up the waters in this pool. The first person to go into the pool would be cured of whatever disease they had. Now, Jesus saw a man who was an invalid for thirty-eight years. The first thing Jesus did was ask that man a question, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6, NIV) This is no idle question. In that day, and sad to say, it is the same now, one could make a nice income begging. Jesus wanted to be sure that this man really wanted to get well, and get back to work.

The man replied that there was no one to carry him into the pool when the waters were stirred. Someone else always got there first. The man had no idea who he was talking to. He had not heard of Jesus or any of His miracles. This man was totally clueless. Did this stop Jesus? No! Normally Jesus would require that the person have faith in Him. There are many miracles in the Gospels that outline this principle. In this case, Jesus was about to show this man the absolute prerogative of Almighty God, that He and He alone heals. Note what Jesus did. Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” (John 5:8, KJV) The words: rise, take up, and walk are all in the imperative mood. That means a command was issued. In this case, the command to walk came from Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, in the person of Jesus. What happened? The man took up his bed (mat) and walked. Jesus did not need to do anything else. The Lord God issued a command and it happened – period. For other miracles of this type, go to Genesis chapter one and read the creation account. It is the same thing. God spoke and it happened – period.

So, what is the real point here? Do you hold to or put your hope in some sort of modern day magic cure for a disease or terrible situation? Are you spending your time and money going here or there to some berry, or special water, or some other item that purports to have healing properties? Or have you gone to other religions that are not of the one, holy Christian faith? Some of these religions give vague promises of healing or another way to please God that is not in the Bible. Let me tell you, if you are not worshipping Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are not worshipping God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) There is only one way to God, through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Listen to what the prophet Jeremiah said:

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13)

 

Or again, listen to what the prophet Isaiah said:

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (Isaiah 55:2)

 

Why are you running after magical potions or therapies that do not heal? Why are you running after things that are not of God? Why are to going here and going there, but you neglect to come to the one person who can help you to overcome the last great enemy of man – death? No matter what kind of medical care you receive. No matter what treatments you undergo. No matter what so called miracle cures you try or go after, you will not put off death forever. Death will come, and it will come at a time of God’s choosing – not yours.

Are you finally tired of chasing after this or that miracle cure that doesn’t work anyway? Have you finally come to the end of your rope? Then listen to what Jesus says:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Go to Him is able to save you by nothing more than His Almighty Grace. Go to Jesus right now, and you will receive the gift of eternal life. Amen.