He took up our infirmities

He took up our infirmities

Scripture:

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases. Matthew 8:14-16

Observation:

From the encounters with the leper and then the centurion, Matthew now records our Lord’s personal encounter with Peter’s mother-in-law when He came to His disciple’s house. She was in bed suffering with a fever but Jesus simply touched her hand and the fever left. It is interesting how she immediately got out of bed and waited on him. She was a hospitable host indeed though bedridden with sickness just a few moments before.

Then Matthew records how in the evening that same day, Jesus drove out all the evil spirits and healed all the sick of those brought to Him. Here, Matthew quotes Isaiah’s prophecy about the Christ that He would take up our infirmities and bear our diseases.

Application:

Our Lord’s immediate concern for Peter’s mother-in-law shows us that He cares not only for us, but also for our family members, and especially so for those who are His disciples. If we have family members or relatives who are ill, we can lift them up faithfully in prayer, for we have a Lord who cares dearly for them.

Also, just as Peter’s mother-in-law got up with such eagerness to serve the Lord, we too would do well to have that eagerness. It is truly a privilege to serve our Lord and His church. Ask him to show where we may serve Him most effectively and passionately.

Remember the great verse concerning the Lord that Matthew quoted from Isaiah “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases”. Meditate on this verse and believe it in faith, and its application will be true of us. Sometimes, even when we do not see healing happening physically, it is our part to look beyond,  at the spiritual level, and believe that healing is already in motion.

Prayer:

We praise thee Lord Jesus, for You are our great Healer, just as You healed so many long ago. Indeed, O Lord, You took up our infirmities and bore our diseases. Forgive our sins O Lord, make us whole and well, we pray. Our ail family members we lift before You. Heal them O Lord, with Your precious touch. Make them completely well, we pray. In Your service O Lord, give us great purpose and passion, lead us to the right ministries where we may serve You best. Teach us more and grant us more faith in the area of healing. Teach us, Lord to believe even when our eyes see otherwise, even when all looks lost, let our hope continue to be strong in You. Praise You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.