Healing

I've been listening to a podcast that was recommended to me. It isn't easy finding 45 minutes of time to actually finish listening to a session. Yesterday I worked outside so I stuck an earbud in and listened to two of them! A teaching caught my attention...

Dr. Alison Cook in The Best of You taught about the Greek word "sozo." This word is typically translated in the Bible as "saved." Sometimes it is "whole." This word can also be translated, "healed."

The following are examples that Dr. Cook gave in her podcast. I am using them here because I want you to see that there are depths to Greek and Hebrew words that our translations today cannot reach. We need to start understanding that reading one translation doesn't always give us the depth of His Word.

Take Matthew 9:21

KJV

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

NIV

She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

ESV

for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”

CJB

For she said to herself, “If I can only touch his robe, I will be healed.”

Different words at the end. All from the word "sozo."

Another example Matthew 24:13

KJV

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

NIV

but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

ESV

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

CJB

But whoever holds out till the end will be delivered.

A last example is from Mark3:3-4

KJV

And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

NIV

Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

ESV

And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.

CJB

He said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Come up where we can see you!” Then to them he said, “What is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil? Saving life or killing?” But they said nothing.

Dr. Cook's take on this last verse is change the word "save" to "heal." This concept would be, "What is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil" Healing life or killing?"

In the verse from Matthew 24:

"But the one who endures to the end will be "healed."

So many people are looking for healing. If we gave people the idea that when the trust in God, and believe in His Son Jesus, HEALING happens, and we walk them on the journey of finding that HEALING, I wonder how many more would choose to follow. Yes, they are "saved" from being lost eternally, but in our world today we need to help people understand that when they believe HE HEALS them too. It may not be physical healing (although I do believe that happens). It is HEALING from the trauma and pain INSIDE that their Creator helps them HEAL from. When they know and believe that HE is their Source, they can HEAL from the painful emotions inside of them.

Too many ministries and churches believe that they just need to get people saved and then are not there to help them once they "believe." Too many churches do not know how to help people heal.

We have lots of trauma in our world today. People hurt on the inside. They are searching for peace. God can bring that peace. Sometimes it takes TIME to help people experience and find that peace.

Are you ready to be there for those who are hurting? Are you willing to give the TIME they need? It is not easy. I admit that there are situations along the way where I want to give up on people. And sometimes people don't actually want to heal. Some people choose to stay in their hurt.

I believe it is time we choose to help people by walking with them so they can heal and in that healing they find they are saved. Draw them to Jesus by helping them understand HE will bring healing. Don't just put a band aid on the situation by "saving someone" and hope that what is on the inside heals. Be ready to walk the process with them and take care of what is underneath so it doesn't get infected or cause more pain under the surface.

Just some rambling thoughts this morning as I'm listening to this podcast...

Love and blessings,

Rose