What Is God Like? A 21-Day Reading PlanНамуна

God Is Our Healer

The Bible describes God as Jehovah-Rophe (or Jehovah-Rapha) more than 60 times. Jehovah means “God” and Rophe or Rapha means “to restore,” “to heal,” or “to make healthful.”

In Exodus 15:26, God promised Moses and the people of Israel, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Healer is an integral part of God’s character. God cares about every area of your health — your physical health, your mental and emotional well-being as well as your spiritual vitality (Psalm 103:2-3). When we understand that God is Jehovah-Rophe, the Great Physician, we recognize that no healing happens apart from Him. Only He can provide lasting healing from our brokenness.

So often, we want the healing without the dealing. But God has to deal with the source of our pain — the rejection, the hurt, or perhaps the betrayal — to heal us. 

Our Healer has never and will never change (Malachi 3:6). Jesus still does miracles. God works through modern medicine, just like He worked through ancient Israel’s laws to protect them from disease.

The Gospel is the physical, moral, and spiritual remedy for all people. Because in Christ, we have eternal life, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and connection with God (Isaiah 53:5).

Reflect:

• When you think about your overall health, what can you begin to give God today for healing?
• What are you grateful to God for regarding your health today?