In the faith healing movements there are people who claim to have been given the so-called "gift of healing," so they can lay their hands on the sick and they recover. Undeniable miracles are claimed. Is faith an important element in healing?
The Bible says absolutely, YES. But we need to understand what faith is, because the Bible says that "the devils believe also, and tremble" (James 2:19). The story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:2-10 may help us understand. This Gentile military officer believed that Jesus could just say the word and his mortally sick servant would be healed. Jesus "marvelled, ... and said ... I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Now what was that faith? The belief that Jesus had the power to heal by simply saying a word? If you say yes, then you get yourself into trouble, for the devils also believe that Jesus can heal by just saying a word. Such confidence comes short of a true definition of faith, if the devils also have it!
But as we read the story in its context, we begin to see that the Roman soldier's faith was more than that. (1) He had begun to understand his sinfulness in the light of Christ's righteousness, for he said two things--"I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof" and "neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee." Now, the devils have no such feelings of humility and grace! The centurion's faith was not a mere mental trust, but a heart-appreciation. (2) An unusual love had filled this Roman soldier's heart for he was concerned for his servant, and not for himself. The faith he had already had transformed him and delivered him from selfishness. And that is not the experience of the devils!
And so this story does help us understand the essential ingredient of all true miracle healing: faith is a heart-appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ. And as soon as I say that, I realize anew how weak and childish my little faith is, how much I need to grow. Do you realize it too?
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 3, 1997.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
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