COVENANT OF HEALTH AND HEALING
In the book of Galatians, specifically in chapter 3, verses 13 and 14, it is stated that Christ has redeemed humanity from the curse of the law. This redemption was made possible through Christ becoming a curse for us, as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” This act of sacrifice and redemption was carried out so that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, allowing them to receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. This passage emphasizes the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the resulting blessings for believers.
The concept of Christ redeeming humanity from the curse of the law is further explained in the passage. It highlights the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, where he took upon himself the punishment for the sins of humanity. The imagery of Christ being crucified between two criminals, one of whom was a murderer and the other a thief, serves as a powerful reminder of the extent of Christ’s sacrifice. This passage encourages believers to reflect on the profound impact of Christ’s redemptive work and the freedom it offers from the consequences of sin.
The passage also underscores the universal nature of Christ’s redemption, as it mentions that the blessing of Abraham is made available to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus. This signifies the inclusive nature of the redemptive work of Christ, extending the promise of the Spirit through faith to all who believe. The passage emphasizes the foundational role of Christ’s sacrifice in establishing the covenants and the transformative impact it has on the lives of believers. It serves as a reminder of the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the blessings it brings to those who embrace it through faith.
In the book of Deuteronomy 28, God is depicted as speaking directly to Moses, giving him specific instructions and warnings. The passage outlines the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments, emphasizing the idea of curses that will befall those who do not adhere to His words. The curses mentioned include suffering in the field, plagues, pestilence, and even the loss of one’s spouse. These consequences are portrayed as severe and inevitable for those who fail to obey God’s laws.
However, amidst the warnings of curses and punishments, there is also a message of hope and blessings for those who diligently follow God’s commandments. The passage in Deuteronomy 28 highlights the promise of blessings that will come to those who obey and hearken to God’s words. These blessings are described as abundant and encompassing various aspects of life, such as prosperity in one’s endeavors and overall well-being in both the household and the city. The contrast between the curses and blessings serves as a moral lesson on the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God.
The passage in Deuteronomy 28 ultimately points to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, which is further elaborated on in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Romans. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are no longer bound by the curses of the law but are instead recipients of the blessings promised to Abraham. The covenant that God made with Abraham, ensuring blessings for his descendants, is now extended to all who believe in Christ. This shift from curses to blessings signifies the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice and the eternal promise of grace and righteousness for those who put their faith in Him.
In verse 18, it is stated that the judgment came to all men as a result of one man’s offense, leading to condemnation. However, through one Man’s righteous act, the free gift of justification of life came to all men. This verse refers to the first man, Adam, and the second Adam, Jesus. The disobedience of one man, Adam, resulted in many being made sinners, while the obedience of another man, Jesus, will make many righteous. The scripture emphasizes the significance of these two men in shaping the destiny of humanity.
The concept of sin is further elaborated upon, emphasizing that sin is not merely a verb but an entity, a noun. It is explained that sin is a result of being born as sinners, rather than the act of sinning itself. The nature of sin is highlighted as the root cause of all negative consequences, and it is emphasized that addressing this nature is crucial. The importance of coming into Christ to deal with this nature is underscored, as it is through Christ’s obedience that righteousness becomes a free gift to all.
The nature of righteousness as a gift is emphasized, with the analogy of a gift with a lift being used to illustrate its transformative power. It is explained that righteousness is not weak, and it has the ability to lead individuals out of poverty, sickness, and low life. The understanding that righteousness is a gift that lifts individuals out of the struggles with sin is highlighted, and the choice to receive this gift is emphasized. The transformative power of righteousness is underscored, with the assurance that it has the ability to elevate individuals and protect them from the negative effects of sin.
It is essential to grasp the concept of righteousness as the nature of God that we inherit through Christ. Just as in Adam, we all succumbed to sin and became enslaved by it, sin is ingrained in human nature. Sin is primarily a noun, not a verb, as it is the noun that often leads to the verb. It is crucial to focus on the noun, sin, rather than solely on the verb, to break free from its hold on our lives. Have you embraced the gift of righteousness and entered into the lineage of Abraham? This is a fundamental question as it forms the basis for understanding the covenant we have with God.
Throughout the previous month, we have delved into the factors that activate the covenant of increase. Now, we aim to explore the triggers for the covenant of health, healing, and longevity. It is imperative to remain attentive and engaged in this discussion. Referring to Psalm 91, verses 14 to 16 emphasize the promises of God to those who set their love upon Him. By calling upon Him, He assures to answer, deliver, and honor them. The assurance of long life and salvation is reiterated, highlighting God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
As we reflect on the assurance of long life and salvation in Psalm 91, it is crucial to personalize these promises. By internalizing the truth that God will satisfy us with long life and reveal His salvation, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. Our behavior and response to God’s decision to grant us long life play a significant role in experiencing His fulfillment. It is a simple yet profound truth that underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God’s promises to receive His blessings fully.
The story of my uncle’s friend is quite similar. He was so content with the food he had eaten that he felt completely satisfied. He even joked that when he reached the age of 120, he would tell God that he was ready to go because he had seen his great grandchildren and felt blessed. He mentioned that he would say “amen” unless someone didn’t believe in God. He emphasized the feeling of being full and satisfied, and how it was important to live a full life before passing away.
The reference to Paul’s perspective on life and death was also quite profound. He expressed that remaining in the flesh was beneficial for others, but being with the Lord was something he preferred. This indicated a sense of fulfillment and readiness for the next phase of existence. The story of Jacob blessing his children and prophesying over them before peacefully passing away highlighted the importance of making adjustments in life and being prepared for the inevitable appointment with death.
The concept of death being an appointment was explained in a straightforward manner, emphasizing that it was something that could not be avoided. However, the idea of changing the appointment through faith and the covenant with Christ was also presented. The covenant, which was traced back to Abraham and his seed, was described as a way to come to terms with the appointment of death and to be prepared for it. The narrative provided a unique perspective on the inevitability of death and the spiritual readiness required to face it.
The covenant that God made with Abraham is a significant aspect of biblical history. It is emphasized that Abraham did not die by accident, highlighting the importance of the covenant. The belief is that individuals are not permitted to die by accident under this covenant. The narrative continues with Isaac calling Jacob and Esau, or specifically Esau, to bless him as his appointment with death draws near. This interaction between Isaac and Esau underscores the significance of acknowledging one’s appointed time and fulfilling obligations before departing.
The concept of health and longevity is a central theme in the covenant of God. The provision for health and well-being is highlighted as a key aspect of living under this covenant. The scripture from 3rd John chapter 1 and verse 2 emphasizes the desire for prosperity and good health, aligning with the belief that God wants his people to live well and enjoy long life. The covenant of health is further reinforced through the scripture from Exodus 15 verse 26, where God promises to protect his people from diseases if they heed his commandments.
The covenant of health is deeply rooted in the belief that God is the ultimate healer and physician. The name Jehovah Rapha, meaning the Lord our healer, signifies God’s role as a divine physician. The covenant offers the assurance that God will protect his people from diseases and serve as their doctor if they remain faithful to the covenant. This covenant not only emphasizes physical health but also spiritual well-being, highlighting the interconnectedness of soul prosperity and bodily prosperity under God’s covenant of health.
The concept of the covenant of health is a fundamental aspect of the relationship between God and His people. In this covenant, God declares Himself as the healer and physician of His people, emphasizing the importance of maintaining divine health. The covenant of health is not merely about seeking healing when one falls sick, but rather about proactively taking care of one’s health to prevent illness. It is a comprehensive health management scheme that includes provisions for maintaining health and receiving healing when needed.
The maintenance of divine health is highlighted in Exodus 23:25, where God promises to bless the bread and water of His people and take sickness away from them. This assurance is a testament to God’s commitment to the well-being of His people who choose to serve Him. By staying under the covenant and following the right principles, believers can experience the protection and preservation of their health, free from the diseases that afflict those outside the covenant.
Despite the promises of divine health in the covenant, Christians may still fall sick due to various factors that can negatively impact their health. One such factor is the environment in which individuals live, which can pose health risks and challenges. It is essential for believers to be mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to maintain their health, in addition to relying on the provisions of the covenant for healing when needed. By understanding the principles of the covenant of health and actively participating in maintaining their well-being, believers can experience the fullness of God’s promise of health and healing in their lives.
He desires for you to acknowledge that is why He has given us the ability to recognize that this is not a suitable environment for me to be in. Soon, I will start to experience headaches, and it is not due to the devil, but rather it is environmentally induced. Perhaps the devil influenced you to stay when you should have left. I hope you comprehend what I am conveying. The persistent noise, dust, intake of contaminated food, viruses, and bacteria can lead to various health issues. Some individuals may detect a foul odor emanating from the food, indicating that it may be spoiled. Despite this, they may choose to microwave it, hoping that the smell will dissipate. However, it is crucial to recognize that the food is spoiled and consuming it could lead to health problems. It is important to distinguish between faith, foolishness, and presumption, and to understand the difference between them.
It is crucial to recognize and maintain a clean environment. I want to express my admiration for my wife’s dedication to ensuring that our environment is extremely clean, especially when our daughters were young. She was meticulous about the cleanliness of everything the children used, and although I was occasionally annoyed by her attention to detail, I now appreciate her efforts. Despite my scattered nature, she has coped with me and, by the grace of God and her precautions, neither of our daughters has ever been hospitalized. I am grateful for her diligence and the positive impact it has had on our family’s health.
It is important to acknowledge the impact of our environment on our well-being and to take the necessary precautions to maintain a clean and healthy environment. By recognizing the signs of potential health hazards and taking appropriate action, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from unnecessary health issues. I am grateful for my wife’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment and the positive impact it has had on our family’s health. It is important to recognize the difference between faith, foolishness, and presumption, and to take care of our environment to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones.
It is important to understand the significance of maintaining a healthy environment and the impact it has on our lives. Sometimes, individuals fail to realize that their actions can nullify the effects of the covenant they have with God. In certain instances, God may feel disappointed in those who do not uphold their end of the covenant. It is crucial to protect oneself and be mindful of the consequences of one’s actions. Sicknesses can also be a result of direct attacks from the devil, which should not be taken lightly.
In the Bible, there is a story of Jesus healing a woman who had been suffering for 18 years. This woman was considered a daughter of Abraham, someone who was supposed to be under the covenant with God. Despite being under the covenant, she was still afflicted by the devil. This illustrates that not all sicknesses are a result of direct attacks from the devil, but some can be attributed to other factors. Jesus’ healing of the woman highlights the complexity of illness and the need for spiritual discernment.
Psychosomatic illnesses are a significant aspect to consider when discussing health and well-being. These illnesses are based on the idea that the mind and body are interconnected, and what the mind cannot handle, it transfers to the body. It is essential to address emotional and mental well-being to prevent such illnesses from manifesting. Keeping negative emotions bottled up can lead to physical ailments, as the body reflects what the mind is unable to process. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these underlying issues to maintain overall health and prevent psychosomatic illnesses from taking a toll on one’s well-being.
There was an individual who used to be a close friend of mine, and he remains a dear friend to this day. Over time, he has been abundantly blessed by God, and his stature in the community has grown significantly. In the past, his business ventures were struggling, and his life was filled with hardship. I remember a particular incident when he was driving his pickup truck along Ikorodu Road, engaged in waste disposal services. Suddenly, the road seemed to twist and turn before his eyes, almost causing a dangerous accident. Overwhelmed by the stress and pressure he was under, he had to pull over, get out of the vehicle, and find a place to rest.
The weight of his financial obligations, looming deadlines, and the constant strain on his mind began to take a toll on his physical health. He experienced visual disturbances, seeing double, and sought medical attention at a hospital. Despite thorough examinations, the doctors could not pinpoint any specific physical cause for his symptoms. It became evident that his condition was a result of psychosomatic factors, where his mental and emotional state was manifesting in physical symptoms. This situation highlighted the importance of emotional well-being and the impact it can have on overall health.
As a community, we recognized the significance of addressing mental health issues and promoting emotional well-being. Plans were made to invite a professional to speak at one of our Midweek events, focusing on strategies to maintain emotional health. It was emphasized that psychosomatic illnesses can arise from the mismanagement of stress, fear, and anxiety, leading to physical manifestations of mental distress. The message of finding rest in faith, as Jesus promised, was shared to encourage individuals to seek solace and support during times of overwhelming pressure and burdens. It was a reminder that no one should bear the weight of the world on their shoulders alone, and seeking help and support is essential for maintaining overall well-being.
It is evident that you have a strong desire for your business to flourish and for you to advance in your career. However, it is crucial to remember that relying solely on your own efforts may not lead to success. The reference to the phrase “by the arm of flesh no man shall prevail” emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and intervention in all aspects of life. Just as Jesus sacrificed himself for the greater good, it is essential to trust in His plan for your life and not become consumed by the pursuit of material success, such as a promotion.
The message extends beyond the realm of business and work, touching upon the significance of maintaining peace and harmony in personal relationships. The analogy drawn between Christ’s sacrifice and the need for tranquility within the home underscores the idea that challenges are a natural part of life. Instead of succumbing to frustration and discord, it is advised to remain steadfast in faith and believe that Jesus will bring about resolution and serenity in your household.
By embracing a sense of calmness and relying on spiritual guidance, the turbulent waters of misunderstandings and conflicts can be navigated smoothly.
The narrative delves into the common struggles faced in marriages, highlighting the universal nature of hardships within such relationships. The acknowledgment that all marriages experience rough patches underscores the importance of perseverance and faith during challenging times. It is emphasized that seeking divine intervention and reflecting on the purpose behind one’s actions can lead to clarity and resolution. By surrendering to the guidance of a higher power and acknowledging the need for spiritual support, one can navigate through difficulties with a sense of purpose and trust in the ultimate plan laid out by God.
The passage from Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns about the consequences of disobedience and breaking the hedge of protection that God has placed around us. It emphasizes that allowing the devourer in our lives leads to sin and opens the door for the serpent to bite. This serves as a reminder that when we choose to disregard God’s commands and protection, we are essentially walking in unforgiveness and disregarding His will for our lives.
Despite the repercussions of disobedience and the impact it may have on our health, it is essential to remember that God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. Even when our health is compromised due to our actions, God still provides a path to healing. His provision for divine healing is always available to believers, offering unrestricted access to restoration and wholeness. This assurance of God’s healing power extends to all aspects of our well-being, regardless of the circumstances that led to our health issues.
The message of hope and restoration in God’s provision for healing is a powerful reminder of His mercy and forgiveness. Regardless of past mistakes or sins that may have led to health issues, God’s desire is to heal and restore His children. The example of David in the Old Testament, who praised God for forgiving his sins and healing his diseases, serves as a testament to God’s unwavering love and compassion. Therefore, it is important to embrace God’s promise of healing and restoration, knowing that His grace is sufficient to overcome any challenges we may face.
In Isaiah 53 verses 4 and 5 of the Bible, it is written that Jesus bore our grief and carried our sorrows. Despite this, people considered Him to be punished by God and afflicted. The verses go on to explain that Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and it is said that by His stripes we are healed. This passage emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ actions and the healing power that comes from His suffering.
Some interpret Jesus’ healing power as being akin to bread, which is considered a staple food. Just as bread sustains us physically, healing is seen as a form of sustenance for the soul. There are discussions about supernatural healing and the role of medical interventions in the process. While some denominations may have reservations about medical interventions, it is acknowledged that medical knowledge and advancements also come from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 29 verse 29. This verse highlights the balance between the secret things known only to God and the revealed knowledge accessible to us.
The concept of revealed knowledge includes scientific advancements and medical breakthroughs that have been made over time. It is believed that God reveals solutions to diseases and challenges in every generation. Diseases that were once considered incurable have now found treatments, showcasing the progression of revealed knowledge. The verse from Deuteronomy emphasizes the idea that while some things remain unknown to us, God continues to reveal knowledge that benefits us and future generations. This understanding underscores the importance of embracing both spiritual healing and medical interventions as part of God’s plan for healing.
Let me present to you another perspective on Ezekiel 47 and verse No. 12. This particular verse talks about the abundance of trees along the riverbank, emphasizing that these trees will bear fruit continuously without withering. It also mentions that the leaves of these trees will be used for medicinal purposes. This scripture highlights the healing properties of plants and how they can provide nourishment and healing to those who utilize them. It is a testament to the fact that nature, created by God, holds incredible healing power.
The caveat that is being emphasized here is the importance of acknowledging God as the ultimate healer. While medical interventions are not to be disregarded, it is crucial to recognize that all breakthroughs in the field of medicine ultimately come from God. The intersection of science and faith is where we can truly appreciate the wonders of God’s creation. When we delve into research and gain understanding, it is akin to tapping into the knowledge and wisdom of the omniscient God.
The progression of faith in God is also highlighted in this discussion. By solely relying on medical interventions for healing, one may miss out on the opportunity to develop a deeper faith in God’s healing power. The example of David facing Goliath is used to illustrate this point – before David faced the giant, he had already overcome challenges like the lion and the bear. Similarly, by gradually building up one’s faith in God’s healing power, one can eventually reach a point where they can command healing with faith and see miraculous results. It is about recognizing the power of God in healing and allowing faith to grow and strengthen through personal experiences of divine intervention.
If your mind is constantly preoccupied with the thought of reaching out to your doctor, and you finally do, and the doctor diagnoses you with a complex medical condition using incomprehensible medical jargon, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The doctor’s diagnosis may seem like the ultimate truth to some people, even more than the word of God. This reliance on medical science over faith in God is a common issue. However, it’s important to remember that what is written in God’s word holds more significance than the diagnosis given by a doctor. The practice of medical science is based on facts, but these facts may not always align with the ultimate truth. What is written in God’s word has the power to change the course of events, and it holds more importance than the current situation.
It’s crucial to understand that while doctors inform you about the current state of your health, God’s word contains promises and truths that have the power to bring about change. Relying solely on medical terminology and the information provided by doctors can hinder the growth of your faith. Some individuals may advocate against the use of medication entirely, emphasizing the importance of faith in God. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and not dismiss medical science as being contradictory to God’s word. All knowledge, including medical science, is a gift from God, and it’s important to recognize that God is the ultimate source of all knowledge and wisdom.
Encouraging the development of faith and understanding the role of medical science in conjunction with God’s word is crucial. Blanket statements against the use of medication can have detrimental effects, as some individuals may require medical intervention for their healing. It’s important to release faith in God while also acknowledging the role of medical science in providing necessary care. Every form of knowledge, including medical science, is a manifestation of God’s wisdom. Therefore, it’s essential to embrace both faith in God and the advancements of medical science, recognizing that they can coexist harmoniously for the betterment of individuals’ health and well-being.