February 19 -- "Healing through Intercession"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 20

"Healing through Intercession"

In Genesis 20, we read about a situation where Abraham and Sarah travel to the land of Gerar, and to avoid any potential conflict, Abraham tells the king of Gerar, Abimelech, that Sarah is his sister. Abimelech takes Sarah into his household, but God reveals to Abimelech in a dream that Sarah is actually Abraham's wife and not his sister. Abimelech is outraged and immediately returns Sarah to Abraham, but God also afflicts Abimelech and his household with infertility as a punishment for taking another man's wife.

In this verse, it is said that Abraham prays to God on Abimelech's behalf, asking for forgiveness and for the healing of Abimelech and his household. God grants Abraham's request and heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, allowing them to have children again. This verse illustrates the power and effectiveness of Abraham's prayer and the mercy and grace of God.

Jesus, in the New Testament, teaches about healing through intercession and prayer several times. He encourages his followers to pray for the sick and to have faith in God's power to heal. He also performs many healings himself, demonstrating God's power to heal through him.

In Matthew 9:35, Jesus teaches about the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, saying "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction." This passage shows Jesus not only teaching about the power of intercession but also actively going out and healing people through prayer.

In James 5:14-15, the Apostle James says "Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." This passage emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, and the belief that through faith in God, the person can be healed.