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September 13 The Gift of Healing
The Earliest Christian Ministry
“[Jesus] called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by
two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded
them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only;
no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. . . . And they cast out many
devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them”
(Mark 6:7, 8, 13).
The gospel ministry is an organization for the proclamation of the
truth to the sick and to the well. It combines the medical missionary
work and the ministry of the word. By these combined agencies
opportunities are given to communicate light and to present the
gospel to all classes and all grades of society. God wants the ministers
and the church members to take a decided, active interest in the medical
missionary work.
To take people right where they are, whatever their position or
condition, and help them in every way possible—this is gospel ministry.
Those who are diseased in body are nearly always diseased in
mind, and when the soul is sick, the body also is affected. Ministers
should feel it a part of their work to minister to the sick and the
afflicted whenever opportunity presents itself. The minister of the
gospel is to present the message, which must be received if the people
are to become sanctified and made ready for the coming of the
Lord. This work is to embrace all that was embraced in Christ’s ministry.
Then why do not all our ministers heartily cooperate with those
who are carrying forward medical missionary work? Why do they
not carefully study the life of Christ, that they may know how He
labored, and then follow His example? 29
Every church member should be engaged in some line of service
for the Master. Some cannot do so much as others, but everyone
should do his utmost to roll back the tide of disease and distress that
is sweeping over our world. Many would be willing to work if they
were taught how to begin. They need to be instructed and encouraged.
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