Some people teach that seeking medical help is a demonstration of a lack of faith in God’s ability to heal. The verse used to support such a claim is found in 2 Chronicles 16:12. But this verse is taken out of context to defend their stand. This verse says. “In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians.” The context of this story shows that Asa’s problem was a lack of faith in God and not that he didn’t consult the physicians. This was the pattern of Asa’s life for he failed not only to trust God during his sickness but also during war and national issues.
There is nothing wrong with seeking medical help for it is God who grants the actual healing. God created medicine and remedies to heal our bodies. And the Scriptures teach that God uses treatments to administer His healing. In the Old Testament, we read that Isaiah spoke of fruits (Isaiah 38:21) and ointments (Isaiah 1:6) that were used for healing. Jeremiah also spoke of balms (Jeremiah 8:22) and Ezekiel of the leaves of trees (Ezekiel 47:12) that had medicinal benefit.
In the New Testament, we read that oil and wine were also used for healing (Luke 10:34, James 5:14; 1 Timothy 5:23). The apostle Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14) who helped the sick by profession. People at Jesus time freely consulted physicians (Mark 5:25-30). Jesus Himself said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12). Jesus’ statement affirmed that the sick do need the help of physicians.
Reliance on God should be the first action to be taken through prayer and anointing of oil. The Bible teaches, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him”(James 5:14:15). Healing should not be demanded of God but requested according to His will (Luke 22:42) for no man knows what is best for another person (Romans 8:26).
God uses science and technology towards physical healing, and He aids doctors and medical professionals in their work to administer relief to the sick. The wise Christian will realize that the Lord doesn’t make supernatural provision for what can be accomplished by natural means, through the intelligent application of known scientific and medical methods.
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
