An Easter Reflection

From the writings of The Reverend Tom Jewett

As we come to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, what significance can we take as our encouragement in our praying for ourselves and other people?

Tom Jewett, in his book “The Good news that nobody wanted to know! Wholeness according to the Word of God” in Section 1.9, speaks about The Atonement with these words:

The crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary was “according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23) for the purpose of redeeming a people for himself. It was a costly exercise but the benefits are very great indeed; that is, if we know what they are. The word ‘atonement’ in the Hebrew means ‘to cover’, and refers to the animal sacrifices which, if accompanied by faith, made an offering for sin so that the sin was covered from God’s sight. The shedding of the blood of Jesus on the cross at Calvary has the effect of propitiation.

“Apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Heb. 9:22)”

God demonstrates to us his extraordinary love for us in that he has made this provision for sinners. There is no greater love to be seen.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).

There is much more to the atonement than has been said here, but it is not the scope of this book to go into more detail except that which is directly applicable to the subject of ‘wholeness’.

It is quite impossible to have faith for something which is not the ‘will’ of God. I believe that the Scriptures teach us that it is the will of God that we be made whole and that healing is included in the atonement. The Bible says that Jesus cast the spirits out with a word and healed all that were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases”

(Matt. 8:17 “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

    “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” Is. 53:4).”

Tom is encouraging us as we seek healing from Jesus that what He did on the Cross was sufficient and all that was necessary for us. 

Tom concludes these words for us today by saying “It is his (Jesus’) will that we be healed. Jesus has already paid the cost: “By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Pet. 2:24)”

It was with this in mind that I (Liz Seccombe) had the opportunity to minister to a woman who sought answers for the pain in her life, both physical and mental. This dear lady had suffered physical pain in her body for over a decade which had left her depressed and hopeless in regard to her future. The medical profession had exhausted all avenues of treatment and her doctor referred her for help. It was discovered that she didn’t know the ‘saving power’ of Jesus and she eagerly confessed her sin and after repentance, she invited Jesus to take control of her life and be her Lord.

After praying for revelation to understand the root cause of her disabling condition, and bringing a painful experience at the onset of her illness to the Lord, this precious lady was set free and has had the all clear from her medical condition. Her life has been transformed and she displays the resurrection life of joy and hope for the future.

As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus we give thanks for the Power of the Holy Spirit to bring back to life the dead body of Jesus buried in the tomb. (See Acts 8:11) In the same Power available to us to Restore, Revive and Heal our broken bodies we can come to God our Father and ask for His healing.

We give thanks for your asking and receiving this healing Power this Easter time.  Be blessed.