Encouragement for End Times Endurance

“Jehovah Rophe”
August 17, 2009

Thank God He reveals Himself by His names, and in Exodus 15:26 He reveals Himself as “Jehovah-Rophe” or “I, the Lord, am your healer.” For quite some time now, health-care reform has been a hotly debated topic. During this August Congressional recess, town meetings are taking place around the nation, mostly in an attempt to promote reform.

There is certainly much in the present system that begs for reform. I happen to be on Medicare, and I have good supplemental policies through AARP. For two months, beginning February 27, 2009 I was afflicted with kidney stones. Most of that time the pain was well managed, and it was mostly a disrupted schedule (for numerous out-patient surgeries and follow-up visits, and X-rays) that had to be born. Eventually the stones were removed and normal life/health were restored.

A couple of weeks ago I received two big envelopes in the mail: one a summary of everything paid by Medicare, the other a summary of everything paid by AARP. The good news is that I will probably pay little or nothing out of pocket. That’s cause for rejoicing, no? Actually, it’s “yes” and “no.”

I am glad that the problem is gone and that I suffered no out-of-pocket expense. On the other hand, I am greatly saddened by the fact that something as relatively simple as a kidney stone cost over $32,000 to cure. That money had to come from somewhere. Even if the Federal Reserve just printed it, the result would be an ultimate devaluation of every dollar in circulation.

So here I am, healed and not driven into financial ruin, and still saying that the Health Care system in this country has many serious defects. Did you know that well in excess of $500 was paid out in my behalf so that I could get $7.00 worth of pain medication? That was because the prescription request had to be processed through the hospital emergency room. That’s a problem. I could point out several other similar atrocities revealed in my benefit summaries, but I won’t; rather I would like to point you to a solution.

In the end-times economy prophesied in the Bible, no true follower of Christ will be able to get standard health care, be able to pay for insurance or medications, or even be able to purchase food in the normal fashion. The Bible declares:

Revelation 13:16-17 (NIV) 16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
I believe it would be unwise to think that that could never happen to us, here in the USA. I can see no biblical reason why we would be exempt. But it is not all bad news. This may well be the time for the church to get serious about her faith and her Savior, who is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV) 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV) 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Healing will not be permanent until we live forever in divine health in our new resurrection bodies. But before that time comes, I believe the true church will rise up and be the true church, just like in Acts 2. There will be no selfishness, no grandstanding and no sideshows – just the people of God sharing what they have, whether it is material possessions or spiritual gifts.

Reform is needed, but probably more in the church than anywhere else. As we pray for the return of the Lord, let us pray that we, the church, might be ready to be presented to Him without spot or blemish or any such thing. This church, the need not depend on the governments of men; we have everything we need that pertains to life and godliness.

Be encouraged in Christ, no matter which direction the political winds blow.

Les Younghttp://www.endtimesencouragement.com/