21 - IS HEALING IN THIS LIFE A REWARD FOR FAITH?

This is a key question. The fact that the 12 apostles were all willing to die horrible deaths young - and most did - is a testament not only to their having witnessed the risen Christ, but that long life is neither a reward for good works nor evidence of great faith - nor a top priority of God. James was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2), Peter was crucified upside down in Rome fulfilling Jesus' prophecy (John 21:18), Matthew was martyred with a sword in Ethiopia, James, brother of Jesus, was thrown from the Southeast pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem then beaten to death, Bartholomew was flayed to death with a whip in Armenia. Andrew was crucified in Greece, Thomas speared in Italy, Matthias stoned and beheaded, Paul beheaded by Nero. John survived being boiled in oil only to be sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He was the only apostle to die as an old man. Also Paul was never healed of the tormenting "thorn in the flesh".

God's purpose through them was clearly not to brandish healthy specimens living long lives of physical vitality, safety, and good works. Nor did the people Jesus healed throughout the Bible become showpieces for his ministry. He didn't heal on a stage like some of the televangelists of today or encourage the afflicted to parade their healing. He said "get up, take up your mat, and go home" (Matthew 9:7). Jesus warned them sternly "see that no one knows about this"( Matthew 9:30).

Neither the Gospels nor Acts record wonderful things accomplished by healed individuals. Instead, they write about the trials and tribulations purposed by God. What is this about?

So while it is in God's very nature to heal and he clearly heals even today, it would appear that the healing itself is not His primary goal nor His primary reward. So what is more important than healing?