Mark 10:46-52 page 1

In the United States there is a famous preacher called Oral Roberts. A woman once had terrible trouble with her pet dog, and a friend suggested she might take the dog to the preacher, because he had a little-known sideline: the Oral Roberts Dog Training School.

After a few weeks, the woman saw her friend again. "How did you get on?" asked the friend.

"Oh, it was amazing," said the woman, "you wouldn't believe the transformation in my dog. Let me show you how obedient he is now."

Looking at the dog, she said in a firm voice, "Sit!". The dog sat.

Then she said, "Lie down!" The dog lay down.

Then she said, "Heel!" " "In the name of Jesus," said the dog, laying his paws on the woman's friend.

A silly story, I know, but at least let's get into a serious subject - physical healing - with a bit of humour.

There are numerous stories of healing in the Bible. Old Testament prophets are used by God to heal people - think of Naaman being healed by Elisha in 2 Kings 5, for example. The apostles heal people in the name of Jesus, such as Peter and John healing the crippled beggar outside the Jerusalem temple in Acts 3.

And in the ministry of Jesus there are so many examples. In choosing the story of blind Bartimaeus I have merely picked a favourite story - but one that happens to illustrate some core principles of Christian healing. These principles are not abstract theories, but related to aspects of God's character. If we dwell on these, it may encourage our own faith.

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Copyright © David D Faulkner, 2006 except where other sources are attributed or noted as inspiration.