Sermon Title: "Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord Who Heals"

Introduction:

Welcome the congregation.Introduce the theme of the sermon: Understanding God as Jehovah-Rapha, "The Lord Who Heals."Briefly explain the significance of God's names in understanding His character

Exodus 3:13–15 “But Moses said to God, “Look, if I go to the Israelites and I say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is his name?’ then what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I am that I am.” And he said, “So you must say to the Israelites, ‘I am sent me to you.’ ” And God said again to Moses, “So you must say to the Israelites, ‘Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and this is my remembrance from generation to generation.’”

Jehovah-Rapha (more properly Yahweh-Rapha) means “The Lord Who Heals” in Hebrew. Jehovah-Rapha is one of the many different names of God found in the Old Testament. Jehovah-Rapha has the power to heal

physically (2 Kings 5:10 “Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, you must wash seven times in the Jordan, then your flesh shall return to you, and you shall be clean.”” ),

emotionally (Psalm 34:18 “Yahweh is near to those who are heartbroken and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ),

mentally (Daniel 4:34 ““But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and then my reason returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and the one who lives forever I praised and I honored. “For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom continues from generation to generation.” ), and

spiritually (Psalm 103:2–3 “Bless Yahweh, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits: who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,” ).

1. The Biblical Foundation: Exodus 15:22-26

Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:22-26

The Israelites journey through the desert after the exodus from Egypt.They arrive at Marah and find the water bitter and undrinkable.The people complain, and Moses cries out to the Lord.God shows Moses a piece of wood, which he throws into the water, making it sweet and drinkable.God declares, "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you (Jehovah-Rapha)."

2. The Healing Nature of God:

Physical Healing:

Jehovah-Rapha is concerned with our physical well-being.Example: Healing of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-7) - God extends Hezekiah's life and heals him of his illness.Spiritual Healing:

God's healing extends to our spiritual condition, restoring our relationship with Him.Example: Psalm 103:2-3 - "Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases."

3. New Testament Fulfillment:

Jesus as the Ultimate Healer:

Jesus embodies Jehovah-Rapha through His ministry of healing.Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:14-17

Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases."Spiritual Healing through Jesus:

Jesus not only heals physical ailments but also provides spiritual healing through His sacrifice.Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."Healing for All Believers:

The promise of healing is for all who come to Jesus in faith.Scripture Reading: James 5:14-16

Encouragement for the sick to call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.

4. Testimony of Healing:

Share a personal testimony or a story from the congregation of someone who has experienced God's healing touch.

This could be a physical healing or a story of spiritual restoration.

Conclusion:

Reiterate the assurance that God is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals.Encourage the congregation to trust in God's healing power, whether they are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.Call to Action:

Invite those in need of healing to come forward for prayer.Offer a moment of silent prayer for personal healing needs.

Closing Prayer:

Thank God for His healing power and love.Pray for those in need of healing in the congregation.Ask for God’s continued presence and guidance.