Healing As of Old | Rev. Abiodun Adesanya

Theme of the Month: EL RAFAH (The Lord Our Healer)

Topic: Healing As of Old

Text:

• Exodus 15:26
• Matthew 9:20–22

Introduction

God’s healing power has never changed. The God who healed in Bible days is the same God today.

Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

God’s compassion remains unfailing, and His desire is still to make His people whole.

Healing is not merely something God does; healing is who God is.

Key Scripture

Exodus 15:26

“…I will put none of these diseases upon thee… for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

Notice God did not say:

“I will become your healer.”

He declared:

“I AM the Lord that heals you.”

Healing is God’s nature.

Background

After 430 years of slavery, the Israelites witnessed terrifying judgments upon Egypt:

• The ten plagues
• Death of the firstborn
• Water turned into blood
• Boils
• Flies
• Pestilence

From a human perspective, they had every reason to be traumatized.

Today, we would recommend therapy for people who experienced such horrific events.

Understanding this, God reassured His people:

“You saw judgment upon Egypt, but those judgments will never come upon you.”

God gave Israel a new identity:

• You are My people.
• You are already healed.
• You are entering a land flowing with milk and honey.
• Sickness is not part of your covenant.

Healing is God’s Covenant

Healing is not:

• Random
• Occasional
• Reserved for a few people

Healing belongs to every believer.

3 John 2

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health…”

Walking in divine health is God’s desire.

Healing Throughout Scripture

From Genesis to Revelation, God consistently reveals Himself as:

• Jehovah Rapha
• The Healer

Examples:

• Abraham
• Moses
• Elijah
• Elisha
• Jesus
• The Apostles

Jesus’ ministry was characterized by healing.

“He went about doing good and healing all…”

Healing was central to His ministry.

Healing Was Purchased at the Cross

Isaiah declares:

“By His stripes we are healed.”

Healing is included in the finished work of Christ.

It is part of our covenant.

Healing is Available in the Church

James 5:14–15

If anyone is sick:

• Call the elders.
• Pray in faith.
• Anoint with oil.

The promise is clear:

The prayer of faith shall save the sick.

Healing remains God’s provision for His Church.

Question

If healing belongs to us…

Why do many believers struggle to receive it?

The sermon identifies several reasons.

1. The Men of Old Believed God’s Word Completely

Hebrews 11:6

Without faith it is impossible to please God.

The people of old did not stumble over God’s promises.

They believed Him completely.

Abraham

He considered neither:

• his own old age
• Sarah’s barren womb

He simply believed God.

Faith was counted to him as righteousness.

Faith Before Medicine

The preacher carefully clarifies:

This is not speaking against doctors or medicine.

Doctors treat.

God heals.

Medicine has its place.

But our confidence must ultimately rest in God.

The Woman With the Issue of Blood

Matthew 9:20–22

For twelve years she:

• spent all she had
• sought medical help
• found no cure

Yet she declared:

“If I may but touch His garment…”

Notice:

Faith:

• spoke
• expected
• acted
• persevered

She pressed through the crowd despite weakness.

She only touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

That touch activated healing.

Faith is Never Passive

Faith is:

• Active
• Vocal
• Persistent
• Expectant

Faith says:

“If God said it, it belongs to me.”

2. The Men of Old Obeyed Divine Instructions

Faith without obedience produces little.

Sometimes God’s instructions may not seem logical.

But obedience releases miracles.

Example: Naaman

2 Kings 5

Naaman expected:

• dramatic prayers
• laying on of hands
• spectacular demonstrations

Instead, Elisha sent a messenger saying:

“Go and wash in Jordan seven times.”

Naaman became offended.

He almost missed his miracle.

Why?

Because obedience didn’t match his expectations.

Lessons from Naaman

Obedience is:

• not always logical
• not always comfortable
• always powerful

The miracle was in the instruction.

Not in Naaman’s opinion.

Only after obeying did his flesh become like that of a little child.

3. Guard Your Heart

Many illnesses today have emotional and spiritual roots.

The preacher highlights:

• unforgiveness
• bitterness
• stress
• anxiety

These damage the soul.

Joseph

Joseph forgave his brothers despite everything they had done.

Instead of revenge…

He chose forgiveness.

A healed heart produces a healthier life.

Healing is More Than Physical

Healing includes:

• Physical healing
• Emotional healing
• Mental healing
• Financial restoration
• Family restoration
• Spiritual healing

God desires wholeness.

Practical Lessons

As believers we should:

• Believe God’s promises.
• Build strong faith.
• Obey divine instructions.
• Guard our hearts.
• Walk in forgiveness.
• Speak God’s Word daily.
• Live wisely.
• Reject fear and anxiety.
• Embrace God’s peace.

Declarations

Declare boldly:

• God is my healer.
• I receive healing as of old.
• My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
• Every sickness dries up from its root.
• My organs function perfectly.
• My strength is renewed like the eagle’s.
• I walk in divine health.
• My mind is sound.
• I forgive freely.
• I reject fear, stress, and anxiety.
• Healing flows in my home.
• Healing flows in my family.
• Healing flows in my body.
• I walk in covenant health.
• Every long-standing sickness is broken.
• Every negative medical report is overturned in Jesus’ name.

Conclusion

God has not changed.

The God who healed:

• Israel in the wilderness,
• Naaman in Jordan,
• the woman with the issue of blood,
• and multitudes through Jesus,

is still healing today.

Healing is not merely a miracle we seek—it is part of our covenant in Christ.

Key Takeaway:

Healing belongs to God’s children. It is received through faith, sustained by obedience, and experienced as we walk in God’s covenant and trust His unfailing Word.