#8: Healing In His Wings

Centuries before the Word became flesh, the prophet Malachi wrote, “…The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” (Mal. 4:2 NKJV) Today we’ll see another facet of Jesus—as Healer, the Great Physician.

Jump in as our study of Mark’s gospel continues. (If you’re new, you’ll find previous entries in the archive.) Do you have your Bible ready?

Read Mark 1:29-34.
Also check out Matthew 8:14-17 and Luke 4:38-41.

Jesus had just left Capernaum’s synagogue after freeing a man from demon-possession. The crowd had seen firsthand Jesus’ power and authority.

If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you know how word spreads. By evening, the whole town had heard of the morning’s event. They went out en masse, looking for Jesus. They eventually found Him at the home of Peter and Andrew (brothers, and disciples of Jesus), where he’d already healed His first “patient.”

Jesus had arrived at the house to find Peter’s mother-in-law in bed with a high fever. He went to her, took her hand, rebuked the fever and helped her up. Instantly, her fever was gone. She was completely well. Not weak and shaky—well. She immediately got busy preparing food and taking care of her guests—a healed hostess!

Within a few hours her yard and doorstep were full of folks in need of Jesus’ touch. Some were physically sick, some were demon-possessed as had been the man at the synagogue. Luke—a doctor—recorded with wonder, “…the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people…” (Lk. 4:40 NIV) All came, all were healed. Demons were banished without being allowed to speak. Satan trembled, as the Light of the World lifted one town from his dark grasp.

Seldom if ever has a town been more healthy or more free of Satan’s power than was Capernaum that night! The power of God had come to earth. The Messiah was at last among them. The people of Capernaum knew it and embraced His power. This, as opposed to Jesus’ hometown where “he did not do many miracles…because of their lack of faith” (Mt. 13:58 NIV).

So what about the state of your heart? Are miracles possible there, or is He unable to work because of your lack of faith? How many wonders do we deny ourselves because we’re not ready to receive them? What would He like to do in us—but can’t? Is there a remedy for weak faith? The Bible offers several.

• A good memory. Over and over, the people of Israel were urged to remember. The whole book of Deuteronomy is a list of reminders. So are many of the Psalms. Remember God’s past faithfulness. Let it empower your faith. Psalm 116:7; 143:5.
• Time in His Word. Romans 15:4 says God has given us His Word to encourage us, to give us hope. Romans 10:17 tells us faith comes from the Word. Build your faith by reading it! Psalm 130:5.
• Humble prayer. Like the worried father in Mark 9:17-27, be willing to plead, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” Ask for greater faith. Matthew 7:7-8.
• To “abide” in Him. A neglected skill in our too-busy lives, we need to learn to rest in Him. Take time to appreciate His power, wisdom and love at work for you. Psalm 116:7; Zephaniah 3:17.

His mercy is great. He forgets past failures. He uses our present to bless our future. No matter what has been, we can be ready for the next wonder He wants to bring. There is healing in His wings!

What Do You Think?

Name at least two specific instances when the Lord proved Himself faithful to you or your family. How do those memories work to boost your faith?

Read Psalm 112. Make a list of the faith-builders found in this psalm alone. God’s Word strengthens us! What’s your favorite faith-building scripture?

© Diane McLoud 2013