In case you missed part one… we are reposting it here on the Vision Publishing site, because unfortunately Dr. Stan’s website is a bit broken! You heard it correctly, it broke. We are working on a whole new site for him and he will be back up and running in the very near future. In the meantime, we will be utilizing the publishing website to keep you up to date. So here is part One of Supernatural Arch… and we will make Part II available soon. Thanks!
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As we move forward in the 21st Century, it behooves us as ministers of Christ to gaze again on the ministry of Jesus. In recent reflection, there are many things in Christ’s ministry to hurting humanity which are noteworthy…too many to discuss here. However, in all His greatness, one dimension is often overlooked, especially by the evangelical and charismatic ministers.
Scripture reveals that Jesus only did what His Father told him to do…and that he went about doing good (God things), healing all oppressed of the devil, for God was with him (Immanuel). In recognizing that Jesus acted on the Father’s desire, doing the work He was called to do, we see an influential intent of immense importance.
- Sin causes isolation.
- Sickness causes isolation.
- Mass choices in society create isolation.
Isolation and unfamiliarity create division, ignorance and blindness of soul, often institutionalized over generations (racism, ageism, sexism, Christian sin, etc., ad nauseum). The distinctiveness of Jesus’ ministry can be seen in his incredible ability to bring Good News to poor souls, removing the barriers to social intercourse, opening wide the door to disenfranchised, isolated individuals and groups (including families) who were once far off, now brought near. Examples of this could fill volumes. A few instances will suffice.
Consider the leper in Matthew 1. Charismatics will concentrate on the power encounter and the miraculous healing wrought by the touch of the Master (also see the woman with issue of blood). The more liberal theologians will see the humanitarianism of Christ while wondering why he did not establish Christ Hospital in Palestine.
But notice the greater intent of Christ’s example.
In verse 4, after the leprosy was removed by the power of God, Jesus urges (commands) the man (him, not the former leper!) to “show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded (Lev 14:1-32) for a testimony to them”.
How often I have read this passage while missing a key element. The offering to the priest, the testimony given was not to brag on God alone (or as in many charismatic circles, to brag on one’s worthiness to receive, or God’s good judgment in choosing me for a miracle, healing, or blessing) but also for the priest, as representative of the faith community, to acknowledge that isolationist treatment of the leper could no longer be given, and that acceptance into the community of faith was mandated. Jesus had a different vision than most in the church have today. For he could not see a leper at all, as his disciples, family and the man himself did. Jesus saw a man, from the household of faith, deserving the grace of God, which he happily supplied.
The woman at the well (John 4:7-30) gives another example of Christ’s ministry of wholeness. This woman was isolated and unacceptable to polite society; she could only draw water by herself, devoid of the fellowship of the other Samaritan women. Her healing of soul occurred through the revelation of Jesus as the Christ (the first one to receive it); he removed her shame and transformed her purpose, which led to national revival.
It has been justly stated that all brokenness occurs within relationship. Long before divorce there existed a happily married, hopeful couple. Prior to the alcoholic, drug addict, abuser or victim was a person, created in the image of God with infinite worth and potentiality. All brokenness can be traced to relational wounds found in family, society, religious articles, and directly with God himself (all have sinned and fallen short …the wages of sin is death, or isolation from God (Romans 3:23, 6:23).
Just as brokenness occurs through relationship, no healing will occur without it.
( more on the next vlog coming soon.)
