The Extent of His touch: Broken Lives and Hurting Bodies
 "Dear Friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting alone well."
3rd John 2
The Apostle John writes to his friend Gaius, and speaks words of physical as well as inner health. These are the two dimensions of divine healing.
We live in a world is which lives break easily. Few escape childhood without lasting memories that are easily taken into adulthood. Searing examples of abuse or divided families can affect our understanding of God. We experience inner pain, which doesn't seem to quit. In a rush through life we either try to outdistance the memories, or we try to hide them.
I once had a friend describe what it feels like to carry a horrific memory. He described it as trying to keep an inflated beach ball underwater while in the pool. It takes tremendous strength, focus, and balance to keep it out of sight. But it wrestles to come back to the surface, and often with a major disturbance! God wants to heal these memories.
Jesus treats our lives in this way. He sees our bruises. Where the world may toss us away for whatever reason, Jesus instead heals us. He knows when that fire is burning out, and He does not put it away. Instead, He knows how to light it. This is divine healing directed to the soul.
Isaiah 61 gives us a blueprint for what God wants to do in our heart. Let's look at it. It is inner healing.
He knows how to comfort those who are sad. 61:2
He provides for those who are still grieving. 61:3
He exchanges ashes for a crown of absolute beauty. 61:3
He exchanges mourning for a garment of praise. 61:3
He establishes strength in our lives. 61:3
He rebuilds ancient ruins in our lives. 61:4
He restores devastated places. 61:4
He will bless you. 61:5,6
You will be called a priest of the Lord. 61:6
You will have ministry. 61:6
He will care for your financial needs. 61:6
You will receive a double portion. 61:7
God also directs healing to hurting bodies; it is the physical side of healing. When Jesus gave authority to his disciples, He gave them authority to "heal every disease and sickness." If you want to know if Jesus can heal your body, start by asking if it fits this criteria....every disease. From where I stand, every disease means every disease.
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This is how Jesus is described in Isaiah 42:3: "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."