Heal the Sick by J. HOFFMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 8, 1916

“Heal the Sick”

By J. HOFFMAN

J. HOFFMAN

“He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2. Christ’s commission to gospel preachers was to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. There is no healing virtue in any man to heal any one, neither can any man save another one from sin. But there is saving power

as well as healing power in Christ. We are not to preach about Christ,—even unconverted men may do that,—we are to preach Christ; that is, bring him to those who need salvation as well as to those who need physical strength and power.

Sickness and suffering are found everywhere. Untold good has been accomplished by skilled physicians, yet some cases are seemingly incurable. But nothing is too hard for God.

A sister of my acquaintance fell from the table on which she was standing, to the hardwood floor. Her right shoulder was dislocated, and the bone in the upper part of her arm badly injured. Several physicians examined her, but could do very little for her. Several months passed, and her arm was still useless. A specialist was consulted, who told her that nothing could be done for her but to amputate the arm, as the shoulder socket was full of cartilage that would have to be removed, and, in short, the joint could never be restored. He also told her that several inches of the bone was practically dead.

In this condition she entered the ministers’ tent at a local camp meeting, asking to be prayed for and anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. Three ministers were present. A few questions showed that the sister had strong faith in God, and it was decided to pray for her restoration.

No sooner was the oil applied and the short prayers finished than the sister lifted her hand to her head, saying, “This is something I have not been able to do for one year and four months.” The blood coursed through her withered arm, making a tingling sensation, a cracking sound was heard, and her limb was restored to perfect soundness. To the astonishment of the local physician, she carried her suit case in that hand the following day. The Lord healed the injured bone, and restored the joint in a few seconds. What man cannot do God can do quickly.

A Swedish sister who had been a sufferer for a long time was told by her doctors that nothing further could be done for her, and that she could live only a few hours. She could not lift either foot an inch from the floor while standing. A meeting was held in this sister’s house, at the close of which the elder of the church, who was in such pain that he could hardly endure it, asked to be prayed for. He was helped immediately, and went away rejoicing. This gave the sick sister courage to ask for prayers. Her husband and I were the only persons with her at the time. While I prayed, he anointed her with oil. When she rose from prayer, she could walk without any pain, and felt well. When I met her one year later, her complexion was clear, and she was a perfect picture of health, and was praising God for victory in Christ’s name.

Other such experiences could be related, but these will suffice to show that God will fulfil his promises to those who take them by faith. But often our lack of faith hinders us from seeing the glory of God. Sometimes men would take the glory to themselves. Under such conditions God cannot manifest his healing power. But I am so thankful for the tender care that God has toward his children. He does the very best he can for them. May God help us to trust him more fully; for he will always keep his promises to his children.

Duluth, Minn.