God Desires to Heal His Children

Question: Does God really desire to heal His children?

Answer: The story of the pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-4 provides a significant insight into God’s character as a healer. This passage reveals that even before the physical manifestation of Jesus on earth, God the Father was actively involved in the healing of His people. Let us explore these passages using the NKJV:

John 5:1-4:

“After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.
For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.”

“Jehovah Rapha” is the name of my God: The Lord Who Heals

1. God’s Nature as Healer:

Exodus 15:26 (NKJV): “and said, ‘If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.'”
The name “Jehovah Rapha” means “The Lord Who Heals.” This name of God reveals His nature as a healer. From the earliest times, God demonstrated His willingness and power to heal His people.
God has always been in the business of healing His children, as noted even in the Old Testament of the Bible. There are many Bible verses in the Old Testament that point to this fact. Reflect on one such Bible verse below:

Psalm 103:2-3: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

The psalmist acknowledges God’s ongoing work of healing and forgiveness. This verse reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the healing of His people.

3. Prophetic Promises of Healing: Prophet Isaiah opened our eyes by prophesy to the new covenant that we will have in Christ Jesus. In this redemptive blessing is the promise of God healing us through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV): “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.”
This prophecy points to Jesus’ future work on the cross but also shows that God’s plan for healing was integral to His covenant with His people.

Let us briefly consider the spiritual significance of “The Pool of Bethesda”

1. Divine Intervention at Bethesda:

The stirring of the water at the pool of Bethesda by an angel signifies a direct intervention from God. This act of healing represents God’s compassion and care for the sick, showing that He had already made provisions for healing before the advent of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

2. Symbolism of Bethesda:

“Bethesda” means “house of mercy” or “house of grace.” This name itself signifies God’s merciful and gracious nature. The healing at the pool is a demonstration of God’s grace in action, providing hope and healing to those who were suffering.

Jesus and the Fulfilment of Healing

1. Jesus as the Fulfilment of God’s Healing Promise:

Matthew 8:16-17 (NKJV): “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.'”
Jesus’ powerful healing ministry on earth is a direct fulfilment of the promises and prophecies about God’s healing power. It confirms that God’s desire to heal is made fully manifest in Jesus.
As believers, we can draw on the healing power of God through Christ Jesus. You should not die in sickness; you have been given the right as a believer to access this redemptive blessing of God through Christ Jesus. Therefore, arise in prayer and faith, and take what is rightfully yours as a child of God and a bona fide citizen of His kingdom

2. The Compassion of Jesus:

John 5:6 (NKJV): “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?'”
The compassion of Jesus is a profound trigger for healing, as illustrated in John 5:6. When Jesus encountered the paralyzed man at Bethesda, His question, “Do you want to be made well?” was not just about physical healing. It reflected a deep, personal concern for the man’s overall well-being. Jesus’ compassion goes beyond mere sympathy; it involves a genuine engagement with individuals in their suffering.
This compassion is a catalyst for healing because it acknowledges the person’s pain and offers hope and restoration. Jesus’ approach shows that healing is holistic, addressing both physical ailments and emotional or spiritual wounds. His willingness to engage with the suffering of others demonstrates that God’s healing power is accessible to all who seek it with faith. By recognizing and responding to Jesus’ compassion, believers can find strength and encouragement to rise above their afflictions, knowing they are cared for by a loving and compassionate Savior.
You can be assured that as a believer, because of God’s compassion for you, He does not want you to suffer in sickness. With that mindset, you can rely on the compassion of God as a vehicle that will certainly lead you to your healing.

Summary

The account of the pool of Bethesda highlights God’s continual work of healing among His people, demonstrating His nature as Jehovah Rapha. This story, along with the overarching narrative of the Bible, confirms that God’s desire to heal His children has always been a fundamental aspect of His relationship with humanity. Through Jesus, the fullness of this healing promise is revealed in us that believe in Him and call on Him. This certainly shows that God’s compassion and power to heal are available to all who believe and trust in Him.

God bless you.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name

Confess Jeremiah 17:14; “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.”

Prayer: