INVINCIBILITY

From My Perspective - - - 

In a day when a militant terrorist group (ISIS) is spreading fear and anxiety in the Middle East; and the deadly disease Ebola is spreading in Liberia and elsewhere in West Africa; and the impact of both is affecting Governmental response and reaction within the USA, a question that must be considered and answered: Is there any such thing as national immunity to disease and worldwide invincibility toward all enemies both foreign and domestic? The idea of invincibility means: “incapable of being conquered, defeated, or subdued.”The synonyms include: “unyielding,indomitable (suggesting that which cannot be overcome or mastered).” Is any person or nation immune or invincible if God, His Word and His Will is regularly ignored?

Regarding an approach to diseases, several years ago, Dr. S. I. McMillen and Dr. David E. Stern authored a book entitled, “None of These Diseases.” The back cover of the book states the following: “After thousands of years, medical science rediscovers a startling prescription for full and healthy living: The Bible. God told the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt, “And there He tested them, and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). It is no secret. Our lifestyles are killing us. Elevated stress hormones are toxic to our systems, poisoning our bodies. Grief and bitterness, like wounds to the soul, cause spiritual cancers of anger and depression. Unhealthy habits lead to a myriad of diseases. Can faith really produce better health? Can corporate worship reduce hospital visits? Can prayer replace pills? Modern Medical Research reveals in 80 to 90 percent of studies what Christians have known for centuries: Weekly church attendance, daily Bible reading, and a constant attitude of prayer is the prescription for healthy living - mind, body, and soul.”

There is an interesting summary in I Thessalonians 5:14-28 in terms of how a follower of Jesus Christ is supposed to live and function. Within that summary are these words (Verses 21-24): “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” While the application is obviously spiritual in nature and emphasis, is there a physical application as well? It’s the phrase that states, “…may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless…” Consider the above synonyms in this regard: “unyielding, indomitable (suggesting that which cannot be overcome or mastered).” Are these synonyms applicable only to the spiritual or do they also include the physical? 

There are Biblical references that link both the spiritual and physical in terms of one’s overall health, such as 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Here is a definite link between a focus on both physical and spiritual health and well-being. Proverbs 17:22 reminds all people, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” This addresses the need to rid oneself of things like bitterness wrath, anger, malice and evil speaking. These are not only grievous to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-32) but also harmful to one’s mental and physical well being. The Lord is speaking to and through His prophet (Jeremiah 33:2-6) about His plan to restore His people. He shares these words: “Thus says the Lord…Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know…Behold, I will bring health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Once again, there is a linkage between physical health and spiritual healing. Let us be reminded of the word of the Lord in II Chronicles 7:14, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Consider these things with me!