13- Jehovah-Rophi

Jehovah-Rophi "I am the Lord who HEALS you."Exodus 15:26 My need not only pardon - but healing.

We are not only condemned - but we are sick.

Sin is the sickness of the soul; it is a mortal disease; no creature can possibly cure it; but God says, "I am Jehovah-Rophi" - the Lord your healer. He not only justifies - but he sanctifies; the former remits our punishment, the latter fits us to enjoy our freedom. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. This blood is sprinkled upon the conscience by the Holy Spirit, and this divine agent is freely given by the Father to all who ask him. There is no healing - but by the blood of Jesus; no application of that blood - but by the Holy Spirit. Our sanctification is his work, he heals all our diseases.

He brings home the word to the heart - and it works effectually. "Sanctify them through your truth - your word is truth." He produces faith and fixes it on Jesus, his righteousness and blood; "purifying their hearts by faith." He leads us into fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And his holy fellowship carried on under his divine teaching, brings health and peace. The foundation of soul health is laid in "regeneration," and is manifested by our desiring "the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby." Trials and troubles are medicine intended to produce this desirable good; he chastens us "for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness." My poor sin-sick brother, or sister, look to the Lord alone for healing; Jesus is like the "brazen serpent which Moses had made." "That whoever believes in him should not perish - but have eternal life."

Carry all your trials to Jesus - he will hear you, relieve you, and send his word and heal you. His blood is the true "Balm of Gilead," and he is the "Physician there." "Without money and without price" are his terms: he waits to listen to and receive your petitions, and heal your souls. But he will be sought unto; he will be believed; he will be trusted. He says, "Only believe and you shall see the glory of God. Whatever you ask in faith, believing, you shall receive."

Let nothing keep you from this Great Physician.

If you cannot go as you wish - then go as you can; if you cannot pray - then groan; if you cannot groan - then sigh; if you cannot sigh - then look.

He will be very gracious, he will arise and have mercy on you.

Great Physician, give us faith to apply to you, and applying heal us for your mercy sake! Reader, is this your desire? Are you indeed convinced that your soul is in an unhealthy state, and are you willing to be made whole by the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, he is ready to heal you. He bids you to come unto him; and coming, he will apply to you his precious blood, give you his Holy Spirit, and restore you to soul-health!

Lord, I despair myself to heal.

I see my sins but cannot feel True sorrow, until your Spirit show My unbelief, the source of woe.

Speak gracious Lord, my sickness cure, Make my infected nature pure:

Peace, righteousness, and joy impart, And give Yourself unto my heart.