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BEWARE OF FALSE HEALERS
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Mark 8:22-26

Acts 8:5-24

 

“…and he was restored,

and saw every man clearly.”

 

BEWARE OF FALSE HEALERS
 
Jesus’ miraculous healing of the blind man here is similar to His healing of the deaf and dumb man earlier on where He also used His spittle in His healing ministry. This time, Jesus applied His spittle to the eyes of the blind man. Once the spittle was applied, the man began to see. The darkness had been lifted and he was able to see the shadowy figures (“as trees”) of men walking. When Jesus put His hand upon his eyes a second time, his sight was completely restored, and he “saw every man clearly” — 20/20 vision.
 
Why did Jesus heal in two steps when He could have healed this blind man instantly? Why did He use His spittle and His hands when He could have simply said the word? No reasons are given. Nonetheless, it is clear that Jesus’ actions here revealed not just His deity, but also His humanity. Jesus was not aloof, but had made Himself very close to the people. He was not distant and clinical in His treatment of man, but had that personal touch which displayed His genuine sympathy and compassion for those who had gone to Him for help.
 
Charismatic healers today often cite this text to prove that healing miracles are not always instantaneous. But such a citation is a misappropriation of the text. This text does not at all support the kind of so-called healing miracles performed by so-called faith healers of today. The healing Jesus accomplished here was truly immediate. Although He healed in two steps, there was no long interval between them. The man was healed completely within minutes. Do we find this to be the case in modern-day charismatic healings? Often we see the same sickly ones visiting the so-called healer again and again, and even after several prolonged sessions, they are still not healed. Beware of charlatan healers!
 
THOUGHT: “The gift of healing was temporary.” (Calvin)

PRAYER: Father, prevent me from being deceived by charlatan healers.

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