Matthew 10:8, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." I love this verse and it is still true today!
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He gave his apostles this power - not just power but the authority to use that power. They realized that this authority came from the One from whom they received it.
Acts 3: 6-8, "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.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." Notice Peter didn’t pray for this man. He also didn’t ask God to heal him, he believed what he was told and claimed the healing in the name of Jesus.
Luke 9: 1-2, "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He believed the Lord had already done His part and had placed that power within him. Now it was his responsibility to use that power and that is what he did.
Jesus told us to heal the sick. Matthew 10: 1, "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Matthew 10: 7-8, "As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." The difference in asking and claiming may look subtle but there is a huge difference between these two acts of faith. Jesus did not send them to pray for the sick but to "heal the sick" by the power and authority He had given them.
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