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REFLECTION

A healing word is the theme for our reflection. A word in the context of the theme means a command or an order. A command or an order is given by a sovereign to a subordinate to have his wish done. A Healing Word therefore means to give a command that will bring cure to the sick. The centurion believed that all things are subordinate to God therefore a word from Jesus will bring healing to His servant thus “…When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)

The centurion’s military background led Him to believe Jesus as a Holy sovereign from God who had power to heal and need not physically be present in his house. He believed that all Jesus needed to do was to give an order or a command and his servant will be healed. Jesus commended the centurion’s faith by saying “…“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (Luke 7:9) Similarly Jesus said to the widow’s son “…“Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.”(Luke 7:14-15). We have been called and commissioned by Jesus to be empowered by the Holy Spirit also speak the healing word into people’s lives. It is for this reason we are in the book of Acts that Peter and John encountered a lame beggar at the temple gate, “Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:4-8) Just a healing word of faith was enough to transform the life of the lame man. Can we also have faith in God like Peter and begin to declare the word healing, restoration and transformation into our marriages, academics, health and all that matters to us in life? We are greatly emboldened by Jesus assurance that ““Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

My dear friend in the Lord, healing among some African churches has been reduced to an elaborate and burdensome ritual by some so called men and women of God. Animal sacrifices, money and other items are requested in the name of Jesus, coupled with prolonged spiritual consultations before Jesus is deemed to heal people seeking for cure or liberation from their problems.

The lesson of today’s reflection is that Jesus is not a ritualist neither does he put burden on people before liberating them. Our faith in Him is important and must be rooted in Him through prayer, for just a word from Him will bring us healing and liberation. Shalom.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, like the centurion we believe that your Word is power and brings healing. May our faith be revived through the study of your Word so that we may experience the healing power of your Word. Amen.