ILLNESS: THE ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATION OF SIN Introduction Illness is as old as sin. Sometimes I imagine the origin of the sting of a mosquito and its resultant malaria. Mosquitoes and tse tse flies were there with Adam in the garden from the beginning (or were they not? I thought he named them too!). And then they were all harmless and friendly with our first parents. However, the sin of man brought about ecological changes. Illness is originally the ecological implication or consequence of sin. Let us consider secondary causes of illness. Some Causes of Illness 1. Personal sin, including despising the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor.11:29-30) 2. Satanic bondage (Lk.13:10-16) 3. Temptation (Job 2:1-10; 29:1, 2) 4. As natural means of dying (Is. 38:1; 2 Kg. 13:14) 5. To glorify God (Jn.11:3, 4) 6. To humble the victim (2 Cor.12:7-10). Conquering Illness All forms of illness can be conquered. 1. Illness caused by personal sin can be conquered through self-examination, repentance, confession of sins to a righteous person, and intercessory prayer (Js.5:14-15; 1 Cor.11:28) 2. Illness caused by Satanic bondage can be conquered by faith that is equal to the task, in addition to fasting and prayer (Mt.17:14-21) 3. Illness that comes as temptation can be conquered with patience (Js.5:10, 11). 4. Natural illness that God sends as a means by which one should join his ancestors can be averted through prayer for mercy and reflection on ones good works (Is. 38:1-8; Phil.2:25-27) 5. Illness that would glorify God is to be accepted with thanksgiving and a plea for mercy (Job 2:7-10; compare Hab.3:2) 6. Illness that humbles one should be endured with the hope of greater good (2 Cor.12:7-10) The ultimate conquest of illness is our entrance into the heavenly home where there is no illness, sorrow or pain. To this we earnestly look up as we prepare our souls for that land of holiness and glory (Rev.21:4, 22-27; 1 Pet.1:3, 4). How Can You Conquer the Illness with an Unknown Cause? One should not quickly conclude that the cause of an illness is unknown. Instead, a thorough examination needs to be done first, beginning with the self. Most people in trouble too quickly and too often point accusing fingers at others without doing self-examination. After all is said and done, if the cause is not known, then it is my opinion that one should combine all of the above mentioned remedial measures. These include self-examination, repentance form sin, confession of sins to a righteous person, upgrading of one’s faith, fasting (depending on the nature of ailment, else others can intercede in fasting), prayer, patience, thanksgiving and humility to accept God’s decision. None of these measures is an absolute substitute for medication. However, it is my belief that all ailments have underlying cause, besides the physically limited cause which scientific diagnosis can detect. Therefore, this lesson is meant to address the underlying causes. May God grant you healing in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 06:18:12 +0000
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