Inspired by...: Inspired by . . . Day 14: His Name, Jehovah-rapha

Inspired by . . . Day 14: His Name, Jehovah-rapha

Jehovah-rapha

The LORD that healeth thee

râphâ' râphâh
raw-faw', raw-faw'
A primitive root; properly to mend (by stitching), that is, (figuratively) to cure: - cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, X thoroughly, make whole.

In the Greek:

ἰάομαι
iaomai
ee-ah'-om-ahee
Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure (literally or figuratively): - heal, make whole.

Jehovah-rapha has always been one of my favorite names of God. It’s meaning, it’s Truth, is so deep and varied. You can hardly get through a chapter in the bible without reading some form of the word healed. Healer is such an integral part of Who God IS. You may notice, though, that we often have a part to play in the healing process. Many of the promises begin with “if” and then end with God’s promise of healing. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a good example:

If My people, which are called by My name,

shall humble themselves, and pray,

and seek My face,

and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The OT in particular has many references to God healing the nation and the land. Why? Because again, and again the nation of Israel turned away from God and slipped into despair and immorality. We aren’t the nation of Israel, but we are His people, and we would do well to read His word and take heed of the lessons it contains.

The Psalms embody the cry of our hearts. When our hearts become battered and torn, we naturally cry out to God. He responds. He heals our broken hearts with the consolations of His Spirit. He whispers peace, calm assurances and sweet words of reconciliation.

He healeth the broken in heart,

and bindeth up their wounds. Psa 147:3

God is also the Great Physician. He heals our physical bodies. Time after time in the NT we read of Jesus healing someone. Jesus no longer walks among us as a man, but I believe He still heals.

Is any sick among you?

let him call for the elders of the church;

and let them pray over him,

anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick,

and the Lord shall raise him up;

and if he have committed sins,

they shall be forgiven him.

Confess your faults one to another,

and pray one for another,

that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of

a righteous man availeth much.
Jas 5:14-16

I do believe that faith has a part in healing.

But I do NOT believe that if we pray for healing and do not receive it, that it is because we lack faith. When we don’t receive something we pray for, it’s because God has something BETTER for us, Beloved. I feel a little awkward writing this, when so many are suffering so much. But this isn’t my personal opinion. It is Truth. I pray that you will not only hear my heart in this, Beloved, but more importantly, that you will hear God’s.

Only the sovereign purposes of God restrict our prayers.

Finally, and most importantly, God heals our sinful state of brokenness. God alone provides the remedy for mankind’s brokenness through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the physical, moral, and spiritual remedy for all people.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;

and with His stripes we are healed. Isa 53:5

Once we are healed in this way, this most vital way, we can face anything, because we no longer face it alone. We have the power of God {His Spirit} working in and through us, and not only that, but He is also working for us.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,

for those who are called according to His purpose.
Rom 8:26-28