JEHOVAH RAPHA, OUR HEALER

“Rapha” is the Hebrew word that means “to heal”.  “Jehovah Rapha” is a name for God that appears in Exodus 15:26.  The Psalmist (presumably David) in Psalm 103:2-3 tells us “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals your diseases…” 

The God that heals is not limited to Old Testament times however.  We also see Him manifested in Jesus in Mark, chapter 1.  Mark usually gives us certain geographical clues.  He often ends a section with a summary statement like the one in Mark 1:39-40 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.  And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling to him, “if you will, you can make me clean.”

Here we have a leper breaking the law by approaching a clean person. The law isolated them from those without the affliction.  Perhaps the leper sensed some purpose in this, and when he said, If you are willing, make me clean,” he likely didn’t mean by that, “If you’re in a good mood at present…” but much like we are in our prayers, he was confident that Jesus could heal him.

This is an example of how we should pray for healing.  Was Jesus surprised when the leper approached him and asked for healing?  Is he surprised when we approach him in prayer today to ask for healing?  He knows all about us, which includes our needs. Pray unceasingly, even aloud if necessary.

Jesus’ response was one of compassion.  The heart of Jesus was moved. He reached out and lovingly touched him, and with that touch, the leprosy vanished and his flesh was strong and clean once again. This is a beautiful incident, illustrating not only the power of Jesus but his mercy as well.

The Jews knew the Old Testament but the notion that God was merciful was not easily understood. Much teaching on laws and regulations had left little room for a God who heals when there is no merit to do so.

Let’s be like the leper, confident in knowing our Jehovah Rapha can heal us.