When Christians inform me that they have a healing ministry, I point them to the elderly, most of whom struggle with health issues.
Generally speaking, there’s not much point in them ministering healing to teenagers. The same goes for the other spiritual gifts – which are most effective in opposing conditions. The answer to any problem is the opposite, and healing and sickness are opposites.
With this in mind I suggest that Paul’s authority principle offers an answer to the numerous miracles of healing that take place in the Developing World and the relatively few in number that take place here at home. Sickness there provides many opportunities for the healing power of God to be seen; whereas sickness here at home is the province of doctors and medical science.
The gap that is filled by God’s power overseas is at home filled by medical doctors and surgeons. Which is why the media here at home regularly proclaim the latest and greatest Medical Miracles.
Summoning his twelve disciples, Jesus gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Their authority to act legitimized their power to do so. The need for healing in the time of Jesus was acute, and provided Jesus and his disciples with endless opportunities. Such opportunities are provided here only when medicines fail and healing from God moves from the last resort to the first.
It’s possible that the rising cost of medicines will force more sick people to seek healing through the hands of those Christians who believe that Jesus heals today. But any lack that provides for an exercise of authority by true believers will be welcomed.
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” says the old proverb; but in the Bible many beggars were choosers who had no other choice but to sit by roadsides in the hope that Jesus might one day stop and heal them.
Jesus, and later his apostles, did exactly that, and in so doing put many beggars back on their feet. Not just figuratively, in a manner of speaking, but physically, their authority to do so being the Name of Jesus Christ and their power being the Holy Spirit of God.
This, I believe, will be the case in days to come: not just overseas but on Main Street, USA, and on the High Street, UK, and other major streets elsewhere around the globe — and yes, yours too!