Sickness 689
Nonetheless, we contend that since the Lord Jesus has actually
borne our diseases there should not be so much sickness as there is
among the children of God. While Jesus was on earth he
unmistakably devoted Himself to the healing of the sick. He included
healing in His work. Isaiah 53.4 is fulfilled in Matthew 8, not in
Matthew 27. It is realized before Calvary. Had it been realized on the
cross, healing would be unbounded. But no, the Lord Jesus bore our
diseases prior to crucifixion, with the result that this aspect of His
work is not as unlimited as was His bearing of our sins.
Even so, numberless saints remain ill because they have missed
the opportunity of being healed; they do not see that the Lord has
borne our diseases. Let me add a few more words on this point.
Unless we have the assurance as did Paul upon praying thrice that his
weakness would stay on because it was profitable to him, we should
ask for healing. Paul accepted his weakness only after he had prayed
the third time and had been shown distinctly by the Lord that His
grace was sufficient for him and that His strength would be made
perfect in his weakness. Until we are sure that God wants us to bear
our weakness, we should boldly ask the Lord Himself to bear it and
take away our disease. The children of God live on earth not to be
sick but to glorify God. If to be sick will bring God glory, well and
good; but many diseases do not necessarily glorify Him.
Consequently, we must learn to trust the Lord while sick and must
realize that He bears our sickness too. He healed a great number
while He was on earth. And He is the same yesterday, today and
forever. Let us commit our infirmity to Him and ask for His healing.
- The Believer’s Attitude towards Sickness
Every time the believer falls ill the first thing he should do is to
inquire after its cause before the Lord. He should not be overanxious
in seeking healing. Paul sets a good example in showing us how he
was most clear about his weakness. We must examine whether we