Ministering to people

God has commissioned us to not only preach the gospel but also to heal the sick and cast out demons (Mark 16:15-18). In doing so, we proclaim the full gospel, ministering to body, soul and spirit. Paul writing to the Thessalonians mentioned, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Th 5:23 NKJV). Because man is a tripartite being, God has made it possible through the death of Christ on the cross to redeem us in our body, soul and spirit.

"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Is 53:4-5 NKJV). At the cross, Jesus took away our sins, sicknesses and sorrows; bringing about healing to our spirit, body and soul respectively. Notice that the healing God promised is a present reality - we are healed.

Until we recognise that we have transgressed against God through our thoughts and acts of iniquity (evil intentions), we will not acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Saviour. The malady of sin has infected human kind since the day of Adam and Eve but many are still blind to it. In fact, Jesus said that it is not the healthy who need a physician but those who are sick (Mt 9:12). In making this comparison, Jesus is saying that the self-righteous don't see a need for Him because they have no sin-sickness to confess. That's why He said that He has come not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Mt 9:13).

In the natural scheme of things, when one is sick, he or she would choose to get well by whatever means possible. Most would go and consult a doctor to remedy the situation. Jesus is saying that He's the Great Physician of our spirits. He offers forgiveness and cleansing through His precious blood bringing us peace with God (1 Jn 1:7,9). More than that, He also extends healing to our physical bodies and emotions. We can experience divine health in the here and now through the grace and mercy of God. And there are many testimonies that can vouch for the goodness of the Lord in this respect. But know also that if God does not heal us now, He has already purchased wholeness for us when we cross the veil into heaven. This body of sin will be exchanged for a glorious body (1 Cor 15:51-53).

When we minister to people then, it's important that we touch their body, soul and spirit. Sometimes, we touch their body first before we can touch their soul/spirit. At other times, God opens their heart to receive Christ first before they are being ministered to in the body. In praying for people, I would usually pray the promises of God as found in His Word. The Word of God is the Truth of God and it is helpful to speak it out. In so doing, we speak life to the person concerned and because the Word of God is able to edify us. When medical science tells us that there's no hope, God's Word or Truth offers a different perspective. And because God is our Creator, He is able to break through into the natural realm to offer us the wholeness that we seek. However, we have to confess to Him what we desire in our heart (Mk 10:51). Those who choose to not to get well will remain in that condition till they die.

Another important thing to have when we minister to people is faith. We may not have the gifts of healing but we do know that God honours faith (Heb 11:6). James says that it's the prayer of faith that would make the sick well (Jas 5:14-15). Notice that for certain sicknesses, it is connected with sins in our lives. However, God would forgive as well. When I pray for people, I recognise that it is God who would answer my prayers not on any basis of merit of my own but rather through the merits of Jesus Christ. I also thank God for faithful intercessors who uphold me in their prayers on a consistent basis. It is their prayers that have enabled me to stand and minister. All glory to Jesus Christ!