The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of healing. Christ's triumph over death and sin mean that we, you and I, will eventually and can even now begin to be healed wholly. Is there any sick among you? Are any tired, weary, forlorn? Any lonely? Any needing repentance? Physically, emotionally and spiritually, He can and does heal us all, often by the hand of his servants, if we but let him.
When we were assigned this topic, the first scripture that came to my mind was this one: James 5:14-15 “[Are there] any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;” followed by this one in D&C 20:53 “[where it states that it is our] duty [as priesthood holders] to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;”
Doing His Work
The power of the priesthood is not in the holder of the priesthood .. although personal righteousness is a prerequisite .. The power of the priesthood is the power of God. We, as worthy priesthood holders, anoint with oil and with faith, but it is the Lord who does the healing, if He so chooses. “As shepherds in Israel we are to watch over our sheep [always] and help them find healing .. through Jesus Christ.” (from HC discussion Sep 2015) .. “and [then] the Lord shall raise him up;”
In the Book of Mormon we read of a people called the Zoramites who came to church, who prayed a short prayer after their fashion on their “Rameumptom” ['holy stand'] and then, “after the people had [each] offered up thanks after this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner.” (Alma 31:23)
Do we ever find ourselves to be a bit like them? In our day, we sometimes seem to confuse the definition of the Sabbath day – 'the day of rest' with 'the day of the Lord' and choose to make it more of a 'holiday' than a 'holy day'. The world would have us do our short prayers on Sunday and then return to our own work and our own interests 'never speaking of [our] God again' until the following Sunday. Or perhaps just as bad, do go overboard the other way, sometimes getting so busy planning and attending so many meetings and activities about church that we find little time to actually practice what we have been preaching about in church?
When Christ performed his ministry on earth, did he preach but one day each week? Did he busy himself with a myriad of planning meetings? Of course not! He lived with and visited the people every day, he asked them questions and he taught them, he saw their needs and he healed them – first physically and then spiritually. He specifically performed many such miracles on the Sabbath – perhaps to spite the Jewish leaders of the day, or perhaps to teach us in our day that we should “be about our Father's business” .. especially on this His day.
Christ Healed Wholly
As we discussed this topic in High Council, in preparation for these talks, we reviewed a few of the miracles that Christ performed. In the healing of the 10 lepers, all ten were healed but only one, a Samaritan, returned and gave thanks. “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:12-19) Ten were physically healed, one was also spiritually healed and was 'made whole'. With the woman healed by touching the hem of His garment in the crowded market. Many brushed by or were touched by Him, but only she was healed through her faith in him. He, recognizing that virtue had gone out of Him, stopped and asked 'Who touched me?' “And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”. She by faith was healed physically and then 'made whole' – spiritually healed her by faith in Him as well .. but she was not the only one healed.
Matthew records of Christ: “And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.” (Matt 14:36)
Would You Be Whole?
Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and always have been, and always will be. Christ healed throughout his own ministry, often asking, “Wilt thou be made whole?”.
Christ: “And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” (John 5:6)
Yes, Christ healed throughout his own ministry and His apostles continued healing in his name and under his authority.
For instance, in Acts we read: “And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.” (Acts 9:32-34).
Enos: “And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Enos 1:8)
Moroni taught that “if miracles cease it is [only] because faith has ceased” writing: “Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.” (Moroni 7:37).
In our day, Joseph Smith wrote: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” (AF 7)
Healing Today
This story is from a letter in my grandfather's hand writing of which a copy was given to me in Sep 2014 by Rulon Taylor of Magrath. His father (Paul Taylor) and my grandfather (then Bishop Clyde C Spencer) were next door neighbors and had served together in Magrath 2nd Ward Bishopric for many years. I had seen this letter before, but now I have a copy to read to you .. I am sure many of you will have similar stories from your own families.
"A Faith Promoting Incident in my life.
This incident has been one of the outstanding faith promoting experiences of my life, because it taught me that the Lord speaks through the priesthood and that we must not allow our feelings to influence us.
Paul Taylor was always a good friend of mine and mostly a near neighbour all my life. Since we were married we lived right next door. He finally retired from farm work because of failing health.
After a time he became afflicted with a severe pain in his hip or the upper part of one of his legs.
Lethbridge doctors decided that an old injury to his spine was causing the trouble aggravated by arthritis or at least that is the way I understood it. It was decided that he would go to the University Hospital in Edmonton where three of his vertebrae could be fused together to prevent the trouble that was becoming steadily worse. Whether I am exactly correct in my understanding of the trouble isn't too important, he had to go to Edmonton for an operation and this point was firmly planted in my mind. The atmosphere in the home was one of resignation, they were prepared for the worst if it came to that.
On Sunday the day before he was to leave I dropped in for a visit. We were on the Irrigation Board together and soon Horace Ririe and Nellie dropped in. Horace was secretary of the board.
As we were about to leave, I told Paul that Walter and I had administered to him a few days previously, which hadn't seemed to help much, but would he like to have Horace administer to him before we left. He said he would like very much to have it done. David did the anointing and I stood in the circle.
Just then several of Paul's folks came in, including his two sisters and I think Willie was there. I mention this as I feel they were important witnesses to what took place.
I was really shocked to hear Horace tell Paul that he would not have an operation, unless perhaps it was a very slight one. Horace was not acquainted with the facts or he couldn't have made such a statement. I left as soon as possible not even daring to tell my wife what had happened.
Two days later Ruth phoned from Edmonton to let us know that Paul did not need an operation at all. He was soon home improved in health and he lived for several years afterward.
Elmer Ririe had a reputation of enjoying the spirit of healing, but Horace [his brother] wasn't thought of that way. I learned that day that any one with the proper authority who will listen to the Lord will be led to say what he should say. This was a very meaningful experience.
Clyde C Spencer" [my grandfather]
Be Whole
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of healing. Christ's triumph over death and sin mean that we, you and I, will eventually and can even now begin to be healed wholly. Is there any sick among you? Are any tired, weary, forlorn? Any lonely? Any needing repentance? Physically, emotionally and spiritually, He can and does heal us all, often by the hand of his servants, if we but let him.
“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:67)
Omni: “And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.” (Omni 1:26)
Our 'whole bodies' and our 'whole souls' is what He wants for us. It can start as simply as by reaching out to touch the hem of a garment, through sincere fasting and prayer, or after simply repenting and accepting and enduring to the end.
May we be aware of the needs of those around us who need his help through us, may we “go and sin no more”, may we joyfully endure to the end, is my prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Doing His Work
The power of the priesthood is not in the holder of the priesthood .. although personal righteousness is a prerequisite .. The power of the priesthood is the power of God. We, as worthy priesthood holders, anoint with oil and with faith, but it is the Lord who does the healing, if He so chooses. “As shepherds in Israel we are to watch over our sheep [always] and help them find healing .. through Jesus Christ.” (from HC discussion Sep 2015) .. “and [then] the Lord shall raise him up;”
In the Book of Mormon we read of a people called the Zoramites who came to church, who prayed a short prayer after their fashion on their “Rameumptom” ['holy stand'] and then, “after the people had [each] offered up thanks after this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner.” (Alma 31:23)
Do we ever find ourselves to be a bit like them? In our day, we sometimes seem to confuse the definition of the Sabbath day – 'the day of rest' with 'the day of the Lord' and choose to make it more of a 'holiday' than a 'holy day'. The world would have us do our short prayers on Sunday and then return to our own work and our own interests 'never speaking of [our] God again' until the following Sunday. Or perhaps just as bad, do go overboard the other way, sometimes getting so busy planning and attending so many meetings and activities about church that we find little time to actually practice what we have been preaching about in church?
When Christ performed his ministry on earth, did he preach but one day each week? Did he busy himself with a myriad of planning meetings? Of course not! He lived with and visited the people every day, he asked them questions and he taught them, he saw their needs and he healed them – first physically and then spiritually. He specifically performed many such miracles on the Sabbath – perhaps to spite the Jewish leaders of the day, or perhaps to teach us in our day that we should “be about our Father's business” .. especially on this His day.
Christ Healed Wholly
As we discussed this topic in High Council, in preparation for these talks, we reviewed a few of the miracles that Christ performed. In the healing of the 10 lepers, all ten were healed but only one, a Samaritan, returned and gave thanks. “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Luke 17:12-19) Ten were physically healed, one was also spiritually healed and was 'made whole'. With the woman healed by touching the hem of His garment in the crowded market. Many brushed by or were touched by Him, but only she was healed through her faith in him. He, recognizing that virtue had gone out of Him, stopped and asked 'Who touched me?' “And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”. She by faith was healed physically and then 'made whole' – spiritually healed her by faith in Him as well .. but she was not the only one healed.
Matthew records of Christ: “And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.” (Matt 14:36)
Would You Be Whole?
Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and always have been, and always will be. Christ healed throughout his own ministry, often asking, “Wilt thou be made whole?”.
Christ: “And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” (John 5:6)
Yes, Christ healed throughout his own ministry and His apostles continued healing in his name and under his authority.
For instance, in Acts we read: “And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.” (Acts 9:32-34).
Enos: “And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Enos 1:8)
Moroni taught that “if miracles cease it is [only] because faith has ceased” writing: “Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.” (Moroni 7:37).
In our day, Joseph Smith wrote: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.” (AF 7)
Healing Today
This story is from a letter in my grandfather's hand writing of which a copy was given to me in Sep 2014 by Rulon Taylor of Magrath. His father (Paul Taylor) and my grandfather (then Bishop Clyde C Spencer) were next door neighbors and had served together in Magrath 2nd Ward Bishopric for many years. I had seen this letter before, but now I have a copy to read to you .. I am sure many of you will have similar stories from your own families.
"A Faith Promoting Incident in my life.
This incident has been one of the outstanding faith promoting experiences of my life, because it taught me that the Lord speaks through the priesthood and that we must not allow our feelings to influence us.
Paul Taylor was always a good friend of mine and mostly a near neighbour all my life. Since we were married we lived right next door. He finally retired from farm work because of failing health.
After a time he became afflicted with a severe pain in his hip or the upper part of one of his legs.
Lethbridge doctors decided that an old injury to his spine was causing the trouble aggravated by arthritis or at least that is the way I understood it. It was decided that he would go to the University Hospital in Edmonton where three of his vertebrae could be fused together to prevent the trouble that was becoming steadily worse. Whether I am exactly correct in my understanding of the trouble isn't too important, he had to go to Edmonton for an operation and this point was firmly planted in my mind. The atmosphere in the home was one of resignation, they were prepared for the worst if it came to that.
On Sunday the day before he was to leave I dropped in for a visit. We were on the Irrigation Board together and soon Horace Ririe and Nellie dropped in. Horace was secretary of the board.
As we were about to leave, I told Paul that Walter and I had administered to him a few days previously, which hadn't seemed to help much, but would he like to have Horace administer to him before we left. He said he would like very much to have it done. David did the anointing and I stood in the circle.
Just then several of Paul's folks came in, including his two sisters and I think Willie was there. I mention this as I feel they were important witnesses to what took place.
I was really shocked to hear Horace tell Paul that he would not have an operation, unless perhaps it was a very slight one. Horace was not acquainted with the facts or he couldn't have made such a statement. I left as soon as possible not even daring to tell my wife what had happened.
Two days later Ruth phoned from Edmonton to let us know that Paul did not need an operation at all. He was soon home improved in health and he lived for several years afterward.
Elmer Ririe had a reputation of enjoying the spirit of healing, but Horace [his brother] wasn't thought of that way. I learned that day that any one with the proper authority who will listen to the Lord will be led to say what he should say. This was a very meaningful experience.
Clyde C Spencer" [my grandfather]
Be Whole
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of healing. Christ's triumph over death and sin mean that we, you and I, will eventually and can even now begin to be healed wholly. Is there any sick among you? Are any tired, weary, forlorn? Any lonely? Any needing repentance? Physically, emotionally and spiritually, He can and does heal us all, often by the hand of his servants, if we but let him.
“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:67)
Omni: “And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.” (Omni 1:26)
Our 'whole bodies' and our 'whole souls' is what He wants for us. It can start as simply as by reaching out to touch the hem of a garment, through sincere fasting and prayer, or after simply repenting and accepting and enduring to the end.
May we be aware of the needs of those around us who need his help through us, may we “go and sin no more”, may we joyfully endure to the end, is my prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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