God@Hospitals - Does God work through the Medical Community?

by Pastor Moh |  July 13, 2015
In certain Christian congregations there appears to be a negative attitude toward physicians and medical techniques. This arises out of a firm conviction that it is God’s intention and responsibility to care for the health of His people. However, some well-meaning people in the church, especially some in the Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition, have discounted the fact that God could work through the members of our secular medical community. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality, the Great Healer works through the hands of His children in the secular medical community. God’s hands have always worked through the hands of His children…In fact the Bible does NOT speak against medical doctors or medical technology.

In biblical times, medicines were made from minerals, animal substances, herbs, wines, fruits, and other parts of plants. The Bible mentions numerous examples of these primitive medicines—notably the “balm of Gilead,” which was probably an aromatic substance taken from an evergreen tree. These may have been primitive by today’s standards; however, it was the best medical technology for that generation. Olive oil and herbs often were used to anoint the sick. The early Christians continued this practice, anointing the sick as they prayed for them (James 5:14). The Bible refers to the work of physicians (Gen. 50:2; 2 Chronicles16:12; Jer.8:22). In the New Testament, Luke is mentioned as the “beloved physician” (Col. 4:14).
 
Early Christians stayed away from medical centers because of idolatry in the medical community. Medical treatment in the biblical world often included the use of Magic, Sorcery, and Divination. The Mosaic Law prohibited such practices. It was inconsistent with the nature of the all-powerful God and it broke the commandments in the Torah. Therefore, the early Christians stayed away from such practices. However, when Christianity became the State Religion, these idolatrous acts in the medical community were abandoned. In 372 C.E., Saint Basil the Great embraced the medical process. Since that time, Christian communities have started, administered and operated hospitals for the care of sick people… lots of them around the world in virtually every nation.
 
Physical healing is essential to the fullness of human beings created in the image of God. Physical healing is accomplished through God’s action through a human agency or by direct performance. Medical doctors are our friends in the healing process and NOT our enemies. Christians, especially some in the Pentecostal-Charismatic congregations, must NOT look down upon the faith of the people who have been healed through the work of the medical community. These healing(s) through the medical communities are NOT second-class miracles. God is the Healer and the doctors are the human vessels in the healing process.