Ministering to All Kinds

The Spirit of the Lord YHWH is upon me,
Because YHWH has anointed me.
He has sent me to proclaim good news to the lowly,
To heal those with broken hearts,
To declare liberty to the captives
And release from darkness to those in bondage.
~ Isaiah 61:1 (author)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and ministering to all kinds of sickness and all kinds of infirmities among the people.
~ Matthew 4:23 (author)

But you are a ... a royal priesthood ... His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

The word Matthew uses for Jesus healing, or ministering to, all kinds of sickness and infirmity is therapeuo. Strong defines it as literally "to wait upon menially," and Zodhiates defines it as "to serve as therapon [servant, attendant, minister, physician]."

Jesus said He came as servant. He served and ministered to the most lowly—touching lepers and unclean women, dining freely with despised tax agents and blatant sinners. He rebuffed critics by pointing out that the sick, not healthy, need ministers of healing.

"Christ" means "anointed." A Christian is both anointed by God's Spirit, and a disciple of Christ who ministers as would Christ, our King and Priest. Likewise, we are royalty who are to be ministering to all kinds—the lowly, brokenhearted, captives, diseased, unclean, and despised, whether unsaved sinner or saint. We minister good news and healing, liberty and light.

Lord Jesus, how privileged we are to share Your ministry! We are surrounded by both brethren and neighbors who need Your light and love. Please help our hearts to hear Your Spirit's direction. Please empower our words and increase our love that we may give of ourselves all You ask.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy