Matt
8:17 (ESV) This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He
took our illnesses and bore our diseases."
NOTE: In this
chapter Jesus heals three others prior to this verse, a leper who asked him if
he was willing, a centurion who asked that he would only give the command, and
Peter's mother-in-law who is never recorded as saying a thing. Three examples
that are very different. There are Jews and Gentiles; friends and strangers;
petitioners and non-petitioners; touchable and untouchable; amazing faith and
questioning faith. In all cases, Jesus "took our illnesses and bore our
diseases." But why? Illness and disease are reminders of our fallen
nature. They tell us that we rebelled against God and his plan. They result in
life being difficult and painful. They cause some to seek God. But here God
comes and his presence heals (takes away) our illnesses and diseases. Why?
Because God never intended us to live this way, but while we live on a fallen
earth, it is a result of our decision (in a federal sense). Mankind chose to go
it on our own, and so we reap the result of our choice. But God's reentry into
our lives causes a change. He takes away the pain of our stupid choices. He
heals us, because, that is what the presence of God does. Thank you Lord that
someday we will be in your presence and illness and disease will be no more.
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