Question – Jesus, 83

 ~ Regarding Neighbors, 1of2 ~

Introduction  ~  This series is about questions involving Jesus.  Some were asked by individuals involved with Jesus Christ while He walked on earth.  Others are questions that Jesus Christ asked others.  We will look at questions on about 130 topics (some may split into two or more posts).  Even so, it is far from an exhaustive list. 

Scripture  ~  “Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road.  And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.  And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’  So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” (Luke 10:30-36).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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God Is My… (Psalms), 53

 ~ God Is My Refuge, 3 ~

Introduction  ~  Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms.  While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms. 

Passage  ~  “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalm 62:5-7).    

Prior Passages  ~  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).     

“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness.  Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me” (Psalm 31:1-2).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Myth, 88

 ~ I Don’t Need Physicians or Medicines! ~

Myth  ~  Some well meaning but misguided individuals that since God is the Great Physician there is no need to get help from medical doctors or to take prescription medicines.

Reality  ~  God is the Great Physician.  We also live in a fallen world where sin, disease, decay, and illness results.  There is no shame for a Christian to be sick or have maladies of various kinds just like others.  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great English preacher who became known as “The Prince of Preachers” suffered with depression throughout most of his life. 

Biblical Perspective  ~  The Bible does teach that we are absolutely dependent upon God for everything including our next breath.  The Bible also teaches our total responsibility and accountability before God. 

2 Old Testament Examples  ~  Hezekiah was confused and reluctant to use the medicines of the day.  “Now Isaiah [a prophet of God] had said, ‘Let them take a lump of figs, and apply it as a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover’ (Isaiah 38:21).  God used a primitive form of medicine to heal but part of the process was the use of current medical technology 

In 2 Kings 5 we find Naaman, who was a leper, being healed by following the directions he was given to bathe in the Jordan River.  He acted upon this advice and was healed.   

2 New Testament Examples  ~  While Jesus could have instantly healed the blind man in John 9 He gave him specific orders to bath in a specific pool after He had applied a mud mixture to his eyes.  Again, we see the necessity of taking personal responsibility and acting.

Paul instructed Timothy to “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).

A Comprehensive Example  ~  James gives us a multi-tasking perspective regarding the healing of physical conditions.  “Is anyone among you sick?  Let him [1] call for the elders of the church, and let them [2] pray over him, [3] anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the [2b] prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  [4] Confess your trespasses to one another, and [2c] pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The [2d] effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:14-16).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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