Healing is a Byproduct of Obedience
Exodus 15:26 (NLT)
“If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, obeying His commands and keeping all His decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”
I know many people who struggle with this verse because it says that the Lord sent diseases to the Egyptians. An incorrect assumption is made from this verse that disease and sickness are from the Lord. A careful study of the whole counsel of God’s Word will show that is not true.
In context, God’s people were enslaved, oppressed, and abused. God had made a promise to His people, the Israelites, that they would inherit an abundant land that they would call home. God sent warning after warning to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, that he should let God’s people go. When Pharaoh not only declined but also “hardened his heart towards the Lord and His people,” God righteously judged and liberated His people by sending the 10 plagues.
Instead of this being a stumbling block in regards to healing, let it be a powerful reminder that none of these plagues affected God’s people! God gave them wisdom, laws, and guidance to not only steward natural health, but to also receive supernatural healing. He also revealed Himself in both word and deed, that He is the “Lord that heals you.” God is, by nature, a Healer and His actions confirm that.
God wants His people to live, think, and conduct themselves in obedience to His word, just like He does. The promise is that healing and divine protection from God will come as a by-product of our obedience to the Healer. Note that obedience is not a pre-requisite for healing, but why would you want to flirt with disobedience to the Healer and hope for healing?
Reflection Questions:
What areas of disobedience did God highlight to you during this devotion? Spend some time in prayer committing yourself to obedience in that area.
Can you think of times in your life where healing came as a by-product of obedience?
