Jesus the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever!

Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever

In a world where we often struggle to believe in God's power to heal and transform lives, we need to be reminded of a fundamental truth: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging nature of Christ means that what He did in biblical times, He continues to do today.

Why Don't We See More Miracles Today?

Many Christians wonder why we don't witness the same miraculous healings that occurred during Jesus' earthly ministry. The answer often lies in our doubt and lack of faith. In Luke 5:17, we read about a powerful moment when "the power of the Lord was present to heal them" - referring to the Pharisees who were listening to Jesus teach.

Yet despite God's healing power being present, these religious leaders missed their miracle. Why? Because they doubted in their hearts. When Jesus forgave the paralyzed man's sins, the Pharisees reasoned within themselves, questioning His authority. Their doubt prevented them from receiving what God had made available.

Doubt: The Enemy of Miracles

Doubt is one of the primary reasons people don't experience healing today. When Jesus went to raise Jairus's daughter from the dead, He didn't take all His disciples - only Peter, James, and John. When they arrived and found mourners mocking His words, Jesus cast out the doubters before performing the miracle.

Sometimes in hospital rooms or prayer situations, it becomes necessary to ask those without faith to step aside. Doubt creates an atmosphere that hinders God's power from flowing freely.

Are We Too Familiar with Healing to Recognize It?

We live in an age of incredible medical advancement. The average life expectancy during Jesus' time was only 20-30 years, largely due to high infant mortality rates and dangerous childbirth conditions. People died from conditions we easily treat today with simple medications.

This medical knowledge has made us "spoiled" in many ways. When God heals us, we often attribute it to medicine or doctors rather than giving Him credit. We pray for healing, receive it, and then say, "It must have been nothing after all" or "The medicine worked."

A Modern Miracle Story

Consider this recent testimony: A young football player named Jude was injured during a game, losing all feeling in his left leg and showing signs of possible spinal injury. After prayer from coaches, teammates, and others, he was taken to the emergency room. What could have been a devastating injury turned out to be completely healed - he had a normal neurological exam and was sent home to rest.

How easy it would be to say, "It was just a pinched nerve" or "It wasn't as bad as we thought." But what if we gave God credit where credit is due? What if that young man's neck was broken and God healed him?

What Does the Bible Say About Healing?

Isaiah 53:4-5, written 700 years before Jesus was born, prophetically declares: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows... But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed."

The Hebrew word for "griefs" (choli) means malady, anxiety, calamity, disease, grief, and sickness. Jesus didn't just bear our sins on the cross - He also carried our sickness, disease, and sorrows.

God's Will for Healing

Many people pray, "If it be your will, Lord, heal them," as if God's will for healing is uncertain. But Scripture makes God's will clear:

• "I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26)

• "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3)

• Acts 10:38 describes Jesus as one "who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil"

It is God's will for you to be healed. It's not His will for you to walk around in pain, debilitated by sickness, or unable to fulfill your calling because of disease.

Understanding Salvation and Healing Together

The Greek word for salvation is "sozo," which means safety, preservation, healing, well-being, and being made whole. Salvation isn't just about avoiding hell - it's a complete work that includes physical healing and deliverance.

We have great faith that Jesus died for our sins, but we often struggle to believe He also died for our sickness. Yet Isaiah 53 clearly states both truths in the same passage.

Common Misconceptions About Healing

Some harmful teachings about healing include:

• "Maybe it's not God's will for you to be healed"

• "God is using this sickness to teach you a lesson"

• "Perhaps this illness is God's way of chastising you"

• "The day of miracles is past"

We would never apply these same statements to salvation, so why do we apply them to healing? God doesn't use sickness to teach lessons - He uses His Word and His Spirit for instruction and correction.

The Role of Sin in Sickness

While God doesn't cause sickness, sin can open doors for the enemy to bring disease into our lives. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses believers who were sick and dying because they weren't "discerning the body of Christ" - meaning they were being selfish and not caring for one another's needs.

James 5:16 instructs us to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Sometimes healing requires repentance from sin that has given the enemy access to our lives.

The Importance of Knowing God's Word

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Many believers remain deceived because they don't regularly read their Bibles. Relying only on Sunday sermons or daily verse apps isn't enough - we need the fullness of God's Word.

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. If we expect people to have faith for healing, we must teach them the spiritual truths that build that faith. How many would be saved if they never heard the message of salvation? Similarly, how can we expect healing faith without teaching healing truths?

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to take God at His Word regarding healing. When you or someone you know faces sickness, resist the urge to immediately assume the worst or doubt God's willingness to heal. Instead, stand on the truth that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Start giving God credit for the healings and recoveries you witness, even if they seem "natural" or medically explainable. Begin reading your Bible regularly to build your faith and understanding of God's will for healing and wholeness.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I truly believe that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever?

• When I pray for healing, am I praying with faith or doubt?

• Do I give God credit when healing occurs, or do I attribute it to other causes?

• What sins in my life might be giving the enemy access to bring sickness or oppression?

• Am I regularly reading God's Word to build my faith for His promises?

Remember, God's power is present to heal. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Don't let doubt rob you of the miracles God wants to perform in and through your life.