The Defeat of Disease and Death (#346 of 365+)

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our
infirmities and carried our diseases’” (Matthew 8:16-17)

“Death is a part of living.” “We’re dedicated to finding a cure.” I’ve heard statements like those above from the media and from people around me all my life. It seems that someone is always attempting to smooth over the ugly facts or offer some semblance of hope without including any mention of Jesus Christ. Christians shouldn’t follow the same word tracks as people who are confused or lost. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6)

I attended my first funeral when I was only five years old. It was for a little girl who was my age. She had fallen out of the back of a moving pickup truck and had broken her neck. They did a marvelous job with the make-up because she appeared to be sleeping peacefully in that open casket. But it didn’t change the fact that she was dead as a doorknob. Her angelic beauty only magnified her mother’s bitter grief over “what could have been.” That day I learned the body is only a shell of the real person. One day mine will also succumb to death, and quite possibly disease as well, but it’s going to be okay. My soul will be safe at home in God’s hands. In the meanwhile, I’ll try to stave off the inevitable to the best of my ability through healthy lifestyle choices.

Joni reminds her readers today that life was never meant to be about searching for a fountain of youth, cheating death, surviving and curing cancer, etc. God’s creation was a living and thriving world. What happened? Death and disease entered in when Man chose to sin against God.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)

Jesus paid a costly price for the world to be rid of sin, disease, and decay... and to be re-made a new creation! Although it isn’t time for the big reveal yet, many people believe the signs hint that the day will be very, very soon…

“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?” (Romans 8:23-24)

Lord, you placed your Spirit in me as a deposit, a promise, of the future Day of Redemption. I’m so thankful that you know me well and that you care about my needs. Thank you for providing me with everything I need to live this life to the fullest. Help me to do exactly that. May I fulfill the purpose you have for me. Amen.