The physical, and spiritual well-being of the people mean a whole lot to Him, because, not only does good health promote quality of life, and longevity, but it may also extend the period of time in which we can do service for Christ. Thus, He has given to us a healthcare plan that will facilitate the practice, and benefits of the laws of health, when we follow His instructions diligently. In addition to the many benefits derived in the here and now, there is also the prospect before us that some folks who are now living may never die, but may instead be translated to heaven at the 2nd coming of Christ. Let’s read:
1st Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
So now that Obamacare might be on the chopping- block, it would be a good time for us to consider the alternative God has provided in His word because in very many cases, it may be not necessary to waste precious resources, paying for some of those drugs and medicines which do not address the root cause of disease, but instead only afford temporary relief. For instance, most of the pain relievers available on the market today do not solve the root cause of the pain, but yet they leave deadly traces in their path, which will catch up with the users sooner or later.
For instance, one of the reasons why diabetics, and those who may suffer from high blood pressure are given a regimen of drugs to follow, is because it is the symptoms that are being treated, not the root cause, and thus, the drug companies are producing millions of decent, law abiding drug addicts. In addition, any continuous dependence on drugs for survival, is not the ideal will of God for His people.
Again, in one advertisement from a prominent drug manufacturer of antacid, the sufferers are depicted as eating those foods which cause the problems of dyspepsia, and indigestion. Then the words “Fight back” are used, and a dose of the medicine is given. Quick relief follows and then the sufferers are again shown at the same table, ready for another adverse cycle of wrong eating, and temporary relief. This is definitely not God’s will, for any habit or pattern of eating or drinking, which will adversely affect the body, must be given up, in order to facilitate good
health.
However, in our study today, we will not focus too much on natural remedies, diets and foods, but will instead observe a few important pointers, which would give us guidance as we move forward. Thus, the overarching laws and principles pervading God’s healthcare system, and other man-made systems of healthcare will be seen stark contrast, but before we begin, there are a few fundamentals we should understand.
[1] God does not enforce His health laws, instead He allows the laws of cause and effect to run their natural course. Although The Lord has stipulated in His word what should, and should not be eaten, any person may freely consume anything, from legumes to snails, from veggies to cockroaches, it all has to do with our freedom to choose which God does not, and will not coerce. Let’s read:
Proverbs 26:2 "As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come"...
This passage of scripture teaches us of the laws of cause and effect, and reiterates the solemn truth, that "The Curse", referring to those adverse results and consequences arising from our bad choices or a wrong course of action, does not occur in a vacuum. Now, it is true, that there are some conditions that are not preventable by the person in question, for one may have been born with such an issue, but in very many cases, other diseases are preventable.
Our current system of medicine focuses a whole lot on treating the symptoms of diseases, rather than first addressing the root cause of the problems, and because of this, a deadly cycle has emerged that costs trillions of dollars, and millions of preventable deaths. God's plan is prevention, with His miraculous power as a back-up.
[2] Any healthcare system which focuses primarily on treating symptoms, is a very flawed system, for God’s system involves cutting disease at its roots, which in most cases will call for lifestyle changes. Here is where some of the so-called miracle working preachers today have done tremendous damage, by offering to the multitudes, miraculous healing, with no lifestyle change.
This manner of working directly contradicts the way in which Jesus healed, for He taught us, by precept and example, that if diseases are brought on, as a result of a wrong course of action, our habits, and practice must be corrected. Thus in very many cases what seems to be the power of God at work in mass assemblies for random healing is really the power of demons being manifested, parading under disguise of Christianity. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
[3] Coverage does not prevent the onset of disease nor the approach of death, for thousands of people die each year, being fully covered. All that coverage does is to afford access to healthcare, when we get sick. That’s all. It’s akin to the gospel of Jesus Christ which covers every person born into this world. But millions of people will be eternally lost, even though full coverage has been provided, because of their own choices. Which leads us to our next point.
[4] Prevention is better than cure. One of the main highlights of Obamacare is preventive medicine, by which insurance companies are required to provide medicines and services that can stave off the onset of disease. Now, that's all well and good however, the main obstacle standing in the way of prevention is our freedom to choose. In other words, Humana, Aetna, and Cigna can provide for all the preventive medicine they like, however, that does not prevent anyone from buying a big mac, and a large order of fries.
Similarly, Progressive insurance company can grant full comprehensive coverage to an 18yr. old, but that coverage does not prevent him from drag racing on the street. Therefore, in most cases, the preventive medicines and services provided, are only as good as the choices made by those who are thus covered. Which leads us to a very common-sense passage of scripture, which should be applied to every area of our lives. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
[5] Most of the diseases we now suffer with here in America, are the results of what we eat, or how we eat. Believe it or not, the incorrect ingestion of food and drink must be addressed, if we desire to bring down our insurance bills significantly. In the Bible, a direct and undeniable connection is made between what we eat, and the fountain of youth, and thus, we owe it to ourselves to ask the introspect question, “Am I now doing, or eating, and drinking anything that will adversely affect my overall health, and ultimately my wallet? Let’s read:
Psalms 103: 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who
crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Many people have become very discouraged in the battle against weight-loss, and they have essentially lost the inner drive to tackle the problem. Indeed, if we were to observe the many times we may have started on weight-loss programs, shed a few pounds, stopped, and started again, we may discover, that over a lifetime, we had lost our entire body weight over, and over again. The many fad diets, and quick weight-loss programs may produce temporary gains, but many people relapse after a while, because the main goal was to lose weight, not to change lifestyle and habits.
A much better approach would be an entire lifestyle change, by which the causes of weight gain can be addressed, and corrected over the long-term. Thus, a systematic, well thought out plan for sustainable health will produce long-lasting results, especially when coupled together with faith in God, and consistent adherence to the laws, and principles of healthful living.
[6] Two main culprits are identified in the Bible as the root cause of most common diseases, and the pertinent instructions have been given for avoiding their use as articles of food. However, when we read of any dietary prohibitions in the scriptures we should understand that God has given them for our best good, and as such, we should read and practice objectively, even though our favorite foods may be involved. Let’s read:
Leviticus 7:22 And the Lord spake saying,
23 Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
25 For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.
26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.
27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.
Some folks claim that these dietary laws were given for the Jewish people only, but that claim is clearly disputed, both in the scripture and by discoveries of modern medicine. If in our day, any orthodox Jew was fed animal fat, and meat with traces of blood, and another ordinary gentile from the Bronx was fed the same diet, the results would be the same for Jew and gentile, because the laws of health given in the Bible are universal in nature, meaning that they apply to every person, with no distinction or bias, based on creed or race. Furthermore, if we desire clarification on this matter, it’s best to ask a Jew. Let’s read:
Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
This leads us to the core of our study, for Christ has made abundantly clear in His word, the way healing takes place under His healthcare plan, and we will need to study the blueprint very, very carefully, so that we may be enabled to distinguish between the true and the false. For every good thing Christ has given the human family, satan has a counterfeit, and just as there is a God-ordained healthcare plan, there is one being orchestrated by the enemy.
Thus, we should understand that miraculous healing that comes without a call for permanent, concrete change, where it is warranted, is not a production of God, but is the counterfeit on display. Therefore, the following Biblical examples deal primarily with diseases which could have been prevented, and includes the course to be pursued by those who seek healing, which comes from God. Let’s read:
John 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Mark 2:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
We end with a passage of scripture which asks of us an introspect question, and as we contemplate the answers, let us remember that open registration in God’s preventive healthcare plan begins today! Let’s read:
Jeremiah 8:21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
God bless!