“Physical And Spiritual Illness”

Jarrod Jacobs

Many in this congregation, and in this area of Kentucky, have fallen victim to the “flu bug” in recent weeks. Many are fighting this illness right now and feel miserable. In addition to this, we have brethren in the congregation who are fighting cancer, and other severe physical problems. These folks are striving daily to overcome these diseases as best they can. We know there are times each year when illnesses flare up, but this time it has been especially bad, it seems. We need to keep these folks in our prayers, as well as show kindness and generosity to them in other ways (I Thess. 5:17; Matt. 7:12, 22:39, 25:36, 43; Jas. 2:15-18, 5:15-16).

I find it more than a coincidence that the Bible makes a comparison to physical and spiritual illness on several occasions. When speaking about the sins of the nation of Israel, God said, “Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment” (Isa. 1:5-6). In speaking about the sins of a nation, God compared their sins to someone stricken with a grave illness. Similar descriptions are given by David when he said his “wounds stink and are corrupt,” referring to his sins in his life (Ps. 38:3-5). Hosea (Hosea 5:12-13) and many others said similar things when comparing sin in the lives of people to illness or disease.

Jesus used this imagery when describing the sin of the people. On one occasion when Jesus was criticized for associating with the publicans and harlots, He responded, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mk. 2:17). Notice how the Lord equates physical illness with spiritual problems. Whether one is physically sick, or spiritually sick, Jesus said these folks needed a “physician”! In this case, the spiritually sick needed Jesus. He was exactly where He needed to be! Jesus also called some men “blind” due to their rebellion against the truth (Matt. 23:16-17; Jn. 9:40- 41). In Matthew 9, when Jesus healed the paralyzed man who had been lowered into the room by his friends, Christ equated healing the physically ill with the spiritually ill so that folks understood He has the power to forgive man’s sin (Matt. 9:6).

Illness, disease, and finally death has not come from God, but is a consequence of sin (Gen. 3:16-19). Thus, we deal with these problems daily. Whether we are the ones suffering, or we are the care-givers to those who have the problem, we have to deal with illnesses almost daily.

While we cannot always control the physical illnesses, the bacteria, and viruses that enter our bodies, we can control the lusts, and sinful behavior that can enter our minds! We control this by being “sober” and “vigilant” (I Pet. 5:8). We control this by thinking on the right things (Phil. 4:8) and then acting on that truth (Phil. 4:9)! We can control our thoughts, and thus control our speech (Jas. 3)! We do this by resisting the devil and not yielding to temptation (Jas. 4:7)! This is a necessary thing, for sin has far worse consequences than any physical illness (Jn. 8:24; Rev. 21:8; Matt. 25:41)!

Trust in the Lord

By Jeff Curtis

Immoral actions often prompt situations that are even more immoral and unacceptable. In Judges 20 and 21 an account is given where Israel was faced with a horrible rape and murder. However, their response led to a terrible civil war and the killing of women and children. After those events, Israel confronted the possible extinction of one of the tribes. Their efforts to address the problem resulted in more deaths, kidnapping and intimidation. A bad response to a bad situation doesn’t result in good.

Judges 20 and 21 should remind the church to take care in how people react when something terrible or immoral occurs. The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 describes a more positive response to bad events. Joseph set a better example when he told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). A tragic event, an immoral act, or a horrible situation doesn’t mean the world is outside of God’s control. God can work good in any situation.

The difference between the Israelites in Judge 19-21 and Joseph in Gensis is a willingness to find direction in God’s instructions. Doing what is right in one’s own eyes often makes the matter worse. Doing what is right in one’s own eyes while claiming it is God’s will deepen the moral dilemma.

Humans, even Christians, will sin and create moral dilemmas. Only through dependence on God can troubles and immorality be curtailed. Then work can be started toward healing and restoring fellowship with God. As a wise man once said,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God has the power to help us if we will only trust in Him and seek His guidance.

Marching to Zion

by Kyle Campbell

Zion is often described as a “hill”, no doubt, in reference to the temple being built on the hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6; 3:4; 15:1; 43:3; 99:9). Zion, which probably means “citadel”, occurs over 150 times in the

Old Testament. It was one of the hills, located in the southeast section, on which Jerusalem stood (i.e., Acra, Bezetha, Moriah, Olivet, Ophel, Scopus, and Zion).

David brought the ark to Zion, and the hill henceforth became sacred (2 Sam. 6:10-12). When Solomon later moved the ark to the temple on nearby Mt. Moriah, the name Zion was extended to take in the temple (Is. 8:18; 18:7; 24:23; Joel 3:17), and it was looked on by the people as the dwelling place of God. Zion later came to stand for all of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:21; Ps. 133:3).

Zion played an important role in the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament (Ps. 2:6; 110:2; Joel 2:32; Is. 61:3). In one sense, the redeemed have reached Zion, the church, pointed to by the prophets (Rev. 14:1). In another sense, Zion still lies ahead (Rev. 21:2), and we’re marching to it.