The teachings of Jesus possess profound depth, particularly evident in his final words to those He healed. In these moments, He offers not just suggestions but commands, indicating what He expects from those He has restored to health. His statements provide insight into the question, “What comes next after healing?” It’s essential to delve into these teachings to understand not only how to maintain healing but also why some struggle to do so.
Scripture reveals the divine guidance Jesus imparted to the healed, shedding light on the responsibilities that accompany divine healing. Just as a patient must care for a surgical wound post-operation to prevent complications, maintaining healing requires adhering to certain divine principles and lifestyles. Jesus provided keys to those He healed, equipping them to sustain their newfound wellness.
Understanding and implementing these teachings is crucial to avoid letting the grace of healing go in vain. Just as a doctor’s stitches demand care and caution, so too do Jesus’s instructions necessitate diligence and adherence. By embracing these divine guidelines, individuals can safeguard their healing and honor the grace bestowed upon them.
KEY 1: STOP SINNING OR SOMETHING WORSE MAY HAPPEN TO YOU.
“Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.'” John 5:14 (NIV)
In John 5:1-15, Jesus encounters a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Jesus heals him, and later finds him in the temple. He warns the man to stop sinning or else something worse may happen to him. Jesus’s statement, “See, you are well again,” reveals His omniscience and suggests that this wasn’t the first time the man had been healed. However, Jesus’s follow-up warning exposes the root cause of the man’s recurring infirmity: sin. Sin serves as a gateway for affliction and oppression, as Psalm 107:17 states, “Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.” The man’s condition wasn’t due solely to his inability to access the pool, as he claimed, but rather stemmed from his sinful lifestyle. This narrative underscores that divine healing can occur, but it requires purity and holiness to maintain divine health.
KEY 2: TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES
Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” Mark 8:26 (NIV)
In Mark 8:22-26, Jesus performs a miraculous healing, restoring sight to a blind man in Bethsaida. Yet, in a surprising turn, Jesus instructs the man, “Don’t even go into the village” (Mark 8:26, NIV). This directive sheds light on the importance of recognizing and respecting territorial boundaries in the pursuit of maintaining healing and spiritual well-being.
Sometimes, the source of infirmity can be linked to a spiritually toxic environment, as evidenced by Jesus’s admonition to avoid the village. In essence, sustaining healing may necessitate distancing oneself from environments or individuals that harbor spiritual toxicity. Such environments could be tainted by the presence of demonic forces or the influence of toxic individuals.
Recognizing the spiritual dynamics at play is crucial. If you discern that your infirmity is linked to a specific location through earnest prayer and discernment, moving away from such spiritually toxic environments may be necessary to safeguard your healing and well-being. May God grant you wisdom and understanding in navigating such circumstances.
KEY 3: GO IN PEACE
Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48 (NIV)
In Luke 8:40-56, Jesus encounters a woman who had suffered from chronic bleeding for twelve years. Upon healing her, Jesus acknowledges her faith and imparts a profound blessing: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48, NIV). After your faith makes you whole, what next? You need to go through life IN PEACE, not in fear or anxiety. This scripture illustrates the transformative power of peace in experiencing a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, cultivating a peaceful life is essential for preserving and nurturing one’s well-being. Peace extends beyond physical health to encompass mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony. The absence of peace can lead to detrimental effects on overall health, as chronic stress, anxiety, and unresolved conflicts weaken the immune system and contribute to various health issues. Proverbs 14:30 affirms this, stating, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” To cultivate peace, you must intentionally reject worry and entrust your burdens to the Lord through Christian meditation. In my upcoming blog, I will delve into practical ways for practicing effective Christian meditation.