Could a Miraculous Healing Happen In a Baptist Church?
Miraculous gifts have always interested me.
And yet, I can’t say I’ve ever truly witnessed it. Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent most of my time in more conservative evangelical circles. Why don’t we see more miraculous healings in the Baptist circles?
For whatever reason, Jesus doesn’t seem to heal many Reformed traditions. Well, at least not in the miraculous ways that we see in the New Testament. In John 5, we see an amazing example where Jesus’ care for the afflicted spurs Him on to one such miraculous healing:
3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
John 5:3-9 (ESV)
Obviously, any Believer would agree. The highlight of this account is the miraculous healing that Jesus performed. However, in this passage, verse 6 seems to be key: “When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time…” (John 5:6, ESV)
Consider the Care that Jesus Had For this Man
It’s so easy for us (me included) to focus on the supernatural part of Jesus; the fact that He is God and knows a lot more about what’s going on. Jesus could have healed this man without ever speaking with him. This passage shows so much humanity!
He’s walking through this area with so many hurting and lowly people. He knows every one of their stories, yet He takes time to get to know them. It is so important to note Jesus’ interest in this man’s story.
What Does This Reveal About Us?
What does this say about us, living and serving in today’s Western Christianity? Are we interested in the stories of the lowly? Or do they have to be famous or have done some sort of amazing feat before we take an interest?
It takes so much time out of our busy day to sit down with someone who has been afflicted in some way. Yet, we all know the internal fulfillment far outweighs the time we would have spent being “busy”.
Today, we may not be able to miraculously heal anyone. However, whether we grew up in reformed or charismatic circles, we’re all called to be Christ-followers. May we truly follow Christ’s example and be aware of the people around us.
May we spend some time hearing someone’s story today.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
Why don’t more miraculous healings happen in Baptist churches?
so are you saying that you don’t believe healings happen anymore, or just that Baptists aren’t able to?
Hi Holly – I’m not really saying either. Growing up in Baptist circles, healing and tongues were supposedly things that only happen in the Early Church (and maybe Africa depending on who you spoke to). I was somewhat making a joke around that idea in the title, but the post explains my full perspective. Thanks for supporting my writing and asking the question! ~ Jeremy
You’re welcome for supporting your blog! 🙂 The only reason I asked was becase of what you said in your last paragraph, “Today, we may not be able to miraculously heal anyone.” which does make it sound like you don’t believe that healings happen anymore. So I was just wondering where you actually stood.
The key being ‘miraculously’ healing someone. You know, rubbing mud in the eyes of the blind type of healing. Granted I have heard dozens of reports of this type of healings happen in the Developing World. And yet, I struggle to obtain ANY validated stories take place in Western world…especially in Baptist circles.
That being said, my wording may have been flawed. Blogging is often like a journal; quick thoughts with very little proof-reading!?!? Thanks again for your support! ~ Jeremy