The Defeat of Disease and Death

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The Defeat of Disease and Death
by Joni Eareckson Tada
“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 carried our diseases.'”
Matthew 8:16-17
My friend Skip and I are the same age, plus he broke his neck the same day I did. What’s more, his diving accident also occurred in the Chesapeake Bay! I dove into the Maryland side of the bay; he, the Virginia side. You can see why I’ve always felt a special kinship with Skip. And my heart broke when I learned he died from complications connected with his quadriplegia. It made me angry at death and disease!
At the same time, I felt a sense of joy. Christ defeated death and disease by taking them with Him to the grave. God’s judgment on the sin which ushered disease into the world was endured by Jesus when He died. The prophet Isaiah explained, “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV). The horrible blows on Jesus’ back purchased a world without disease — that world is still in the future, but it’s coming soon (Romans 8:23-24). And Skip and I can’t wait!
When Christ came into the world, He was on a mission to accomplish global redemption. He signaled His purposes by healing the sick and raising the dead. These were previews of what was coming at the end of history when “he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more… nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:4 ESV). Do you know someone who is gravely ill? A friend or family member who recently died? Take a moment to praise God that one day all disease and death will be banished!
Praise to the Conqueror of death! Praise be to the Healer of the sick! Lord, I look forward to the new heavens and new earth. No more disease or death!
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
 
 
Taken from Pearls of Great Price
Copyright © 2006
By Joni Eareckson Tada
Published in Print by Zondervan, Grand Rapids
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version.
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