Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, diseases and afflictions are often depicted as opportunities for individuals and communities to turn to God for healing, guidance, and understanding. The failure to seek God in times of illness is frequently portrayed as a spiritual shortcoming, reflecting a lack of faith or trust in God's sovereignty and power.Biblical Instances and Teachings 1. King Asa's Reliance on Physicians: One of the most direct biblical examples of condemnation for not seeking God in times of disease is found in the account of King Asa of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 16:12, it is recorded, "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians." Asa's failure to turn to God is presented as a significant spiritual oversight, suggesting that reliance solely on human means, without seeking divine intervention, is inadequate and spiritually deficient. 2. The Role of Faith in Healing: Throughout the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in the process of healing. In Mark 5:34, Jesus tells the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder, "Daughter, your faith has healed you; go in peace and be free of your affliction." This underscores the biblical principle that faith and turning to God are integral to experiencing divine healing. 3. The Israelites in the Wilderness: In the Old Testament, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness provides numerous examples of God using diseases as a means to draw His people back to Himself. In Numbers 21:6-9, when the Israelites were afflicted by venomous snakes, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent. Those who looked upon it were healed, symbolizing the necessity of turning to God for deliverance. 4. Warnings Against Idolatry and Disobedience: The Bible frequently associates diseases with idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:58-61, God warns the Israelites that if they fail to obey His laws, He will bring upon them "extraordinary plagues, great and prolonged plagues, and serious and prolonged sicknesses." This passage highlights the connection between spiritual fidelity and physical well-being, emphasizing the need to seek God in all circumstances. 5. The Example of Hezekiah: In contrast to Asa, King Hezekiah provides a positive example of seeking God in times of illness. When Hezekiah became ill, he prayed to the Lord, and God granted him an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6). This narrative illustrates the power of prayer and reliance on God during times of physical distress. Theological Implications The biblical condemnation of not seeking God in times of disease reflects a broader theological theme: the call to trust in God's providence and to recognize His ultimate authority over life and health. The scriptures consistently encourage believers to turn to God not only for physical healing but also for spiritual renewal and strength. This reliance on God is seen as an expression of faith and obedience, aligning with the biblical understanding that God is the ultimate healer and sustainer of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 16:12And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sleep Not God's Providence Are You Prepared to Die? Of the Conversion, Life, Miracles, and Death of the Holy Brother ... Seventh Commandment Homilies on the Statues. The Cruelty of Herod Toward the Infants, and the Manner of his ... Matt. xxvii. 45-48. A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope "Thou Canst Make Me Clean" Resources Pandemic pandemonium! How should Christians respond to pandemic diseases? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about health? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view vaccinations/vaccines? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Diseases: Art of Curing, Defective Diseases: Demoniacal Possession Diseases: Frequently: Complicated Diseases: Frequently: Incurable Diseases: Frequently: Loathsome Diseases: God often Entreated to Cure Diseases: Intemperance a Cause of Diseases: Medicine Used for Curing Diseases: Not Looking to God In, Condemned Diseases: Often Brought from Other Countries Diseases: Often Sent As Punishment Diseases: Over-Excitement a Cause of Diseases: Physicians Undertook the Cure of Diseases: Regarded As Visitations Diseases: Sins of Youth a Cause of Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Anointed Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Cured Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Supported Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Laid in the Streets to Receive Advice from Passers By Related Terms |
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