Isaiah 53 is a well-known chapter in the Bible in Christian circles. It prophesies the birth, life, and death of Jesus. If you follow my writing, you know by now that I enjoy the New English Translation of the Bible. I like the clarity in the wording. Isaiah 53 is no exception.
Verse 5: He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed.
I’ve read this chapter many times, and each time, something new grabs my attention. Many years ago, as I was reading verse 5, I noticed the tense was all past. But one part stuck out, we have been healed! Our healing was paid for on the cross, yes, BUT our healing was finished on the cross. It was a done deal before we ever experienced the illness.
What about cancer, you ask? It, too, was healed on the cross. Why, then, do Christians still die from cancer and other diseases.? My mother died with cancer. The only explanation I have is that our bodies are temporal, they begin to die the moment we are born. I know that sounds morbid, but it’s true. It is also true that cells renew and replenish those that are dying. We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made creatures. The verse says that we have been healed, and I choose to claim that for every illness, whether it is accomplished here on earth or in heaven.
Recently, I broke two bones on the top of my foot. It took four days to get in for the X-ray. The doctor called me with the results and said there was evidence of a previously healed break in the same two bones but no current fracture. I’ve never broken anything in this foot. God healed the fracture! The muscles remained strained and painful. I choose to rejoice in the healing of the bones, even though I will have to take special care of the muscles as they also heal over time. Why did God heal one aspect and not the other? I don’t know. But God has His plans and purposes, which are higher than my understanding. Praise the Lord.
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