22/08/2015 - An Old Testament practice

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But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother. Psalm 35.13-14

David became disappointed when he saw the people whom he had once helped betray and give false testimony against him. When something like that happens, our first reaction is of disbelief. However, the truth is that we will have disappointments and afflictions in this world (John 16.33). Therefore, sooner or later we will be perplexed at many people whom we have been patient with, and to those in whom we have invested all our knowledge. They will act like that because they are away from the divine presence.

Even in ministry we find ourselves betrayed by people whom we have helped, and this is very sad. It hurts to witness a person who knows that their sin has been discovered be confronted and unashamedly deny it. It is painful to realize that some prefer to live in deceit and, because of that, will not taste eternal happiness. May God have mercy on such people who lack discernment.

It is incredible that there are those who sell themselves to the devil and lie. No one should fall into the traps of the evil one, since, all along, the Holy Spirit nudges us in order to keep us from falling (John 16.13). However, many who fall are persuaded by the devil that they should not be ashamed of it, they harden themselves and refuse to confess their sin; as a result they forfeit their chance of being forgiven (Proverbs 28.13). On the last Day, though, everyone will see them marching to damnation.

David was a righteous man and, when he described his attitude towards the sick, he demonstrates that our present attitude is similar to that of the Old Testament. It is necessary that we be fully transformed, since Jesus has already taught us how to act when someone is suffering. We should not imitate the acts of religious people, but we must claim our rights in Christ and set the captives free. After all, we have already received the power to do it.

We ought to have the correct attitude toward those who are sick, because the Lord has taken all our infirmities. We need to teach the Truth to those to whom we minister and, if the Holy Spirit reveals that sin is the cause of this affliction, it is imperative that we lead the person to repentance. The next step is to use the authority you have over that evil, demanding it to leave, because we have power over the evil one and his deeds. This is the secret which will lead many to be delivered through your faith.

The Most High God commands us to heal the sick and not sit down to mourn beside them. Failing to keep the Master’s commands is like telling God that you do not want Him to work in that person’s life. Beware, though! You do not have to ask or command the angels of God to do the work, because they only obey the voice of the Word of the Lord.

When a believer takes up his position in Christ and acts with boldness, God works in the same way that He did in the days of Jesus. Therefore, when you minister, you must be firm and unwavering, demanding the evil one to leave. However, do not go beyond what is in the Word.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares