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Do you believe in divine healing? Read this . . .
And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe (corner–hem) of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased…But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace,” (Luke 8:43-48).
The precious woman in this biblical account suffered with a bleeding issue for over a decade. The best doctors could not cure her, and the latest medicines and treatments were of no use. As an unclean member of society, she was truly an outcast, leaving her with nowhere to turn. In faith, she reached out to the ONLY ONE who could restore and heal her body–Jesus Christ.
Our modern world bears little resemblance to the biblical days when Jesus the Messiah walked through the streets of ancient Israel, healing the sick and demon-possessed. In these uncertain times, society urges humanity to put faith in anything but Jesus. Surrounded by the latest medical technologies and breakthroughs, humanity is told that science is the answer. Advertisements on TV and media bombard the public with messages about medications for everything from anxiety to dementia, while new vaccines are released before diseases even make their debut.
While medications, surgical procedures, and treatments can be miraculous blessings bestowed upon us by God through gifted doctors, surgeons, nurses, and medical professionals, we must never neglect the amazing healing power of the Great Physician, the Lord our Healer.
Not so long ago, I came to understand the significance of God’s miraculous healing touch. For many years, my son struggled with debilitating motor tics that caused great suffering both mentally and physically. Initially, it seemed that medications and pharmaceutical remedies were the best approach to receiving healing. After all, they were tangible, measurable, and touted by experienced physicians.
Unfortunately, even after years of treatments, no improvement in my son’s condition was achieved. Often, the side effects of certain medications were worse than the lingering tics that he was experiencing. This brought me to the point of despair. But in that time of desperation, the Lord led me to a verse: Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:14-15).
Like the woman who reached out to Jesus for healing, I was at the end of my rope. I decided to act on this verse and asked members of our church to lay hands on my son and pray. The pastor prayed not only for healing, but for light to be shed on what could be causing the tics. Though healing didn’t happen immediately, over time my son’s condition improved dramatically. The Holy Spirit also led me to the answers I was looking for, which involved natural treatments and a non-pharmaceutical approach to health. Most importantly, my family was drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus and His voice became louder than the medical industry.
Malachi 4:2 contains an astounding truth about healing. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings (NLT). While this inspiring verse points to Jesus as the Great Healer, it also highlights the profound significance of the garment that Jesus wore during his time on earth, known as the tallit. All Jewish males were commanded to wear this rectangular prayer shawl, which contained four corners, referred to as wings (Numbers 15:37-41). Hanging from the wings are fringes known as tzitzit. These tassels (fringes) are knotted and twisted in a special way to symbolize God’s commandments, or the Word of God.
The woman with the bleeding issue touched the fringe (corner, hem, tassels) of Jesus’s garment, which is known as the tzitzit. These fringes (tzitzit) would have hung from the wing (corner) of Jesus’s tallit (prayer shawl). Essentially, she was taking hold of the Word of God because this is what the tzitzit represents. She was also reaching out for the wings of the garment, which symbolize the covering and protection of Jesus. Psalm 91 illustrates this beautifully, especially verse 4 which says, He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings (NLT).
There is great power in the Word of God because it always reveals truth, and truth brings healing. Often, the world tells us that the best solution to our problems is to “pop a pill” or rely on experimental products to cure our illnesses and ailments. While there’s nothing wrong with taking a medicine or seeking medical treatment, this doesn’t always solve our problems. In certain instances, there can also be side effects, dependence, or even addiction. Worse yet, the root cause of the medical condition could be completely ignored, leading to more issues down the road.
Exodus 15:26 declares, “I am the Lord, your healer,” while Psalm 17:8 says, “Hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
Intercessors, how can we receive healing in the shadow of Jesus’s wings? Looking back at the tallit, we once again find clues. Amazingly, the prayer shawl becomes a secret shelter for the person wearing it as he/she spreads out the wings of the garment and places them over their head and body. Suddenly, it becomes a secret shelter or little tabernacle where one can find rest and healing. As the walls of the tallit block out the distractions of the world and the fringes cling to the believer, the only voice to be heard is that of the Savior, who is known as the Word of God.
In connection with Jesus, we can find the answers we desperately need. Of course, one does not have to possess a prayer shawl to connect with the Savior, or receive healing. The prayer shawl (tallit) is symbolic of what we must do in order to receive the healing touch that we desire. Whether it’s physical or mental healing that we seek for ourselves or others, the first thing we should do is pursue Jesus and His Word. Through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will guide our paths. As we are obedient under His wings, we will be divinely directed to the path of healing.
The Covid pandemic reminds us of what happens when mankind puts all their faith in modern medicine. During this time, an experimental vaccine was touted as the only way to receive healing, but instead, it caused record injuries and death. Fear prompted an irrational allegiance to medical “science,” which led to coercion, shaming, and mandating.
Imagine what would have happened during the pandemic if most Christians had chosen to take refuge under the wings of Jesus instead of following the voices of world leaders, government agencies, and medical authorities. What if the majority of people reached out for the hem of Jesus’s garment, instead of an experimental product?
How would the outcome have been different? I’ll leave that question for you to ponder and answer.
The world is telling us to put our hopes in technology, pharmaceuticals, and modern medicine. But Matthew 14:35-36 tells us to reach out for Jesus.
And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe (corner) of his garment (tallit). And as many as touched it were made well.
Last year I attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico where I witnessed the launching of hundreds of gigantic hot air balloons. It had been barely a week since the citizens of Israel were brutally attacked on October 7, 2023. As I watched the beautiful balloons rise into the air, I sensed the tremendous healing our world needed, especially the Jewish people. As I pondered this, my husband shouted, “There’s Jesus!” For a moment, I was confused. “What do you mean, there’s Jesus?” I questioned.
And then I saw it! A beautiful hot air balloon was rising in the air and there was a picture of Jesus displayed across it.
The balloon featured a joyous and radiant image of Jesus, designed with the purpose of proclaiming the Good News that Jesus saves. When I saw the balloon, a surge of electricity jolted my heart. As I thought about all the difficulties and turmoil in the world, I came back to the truth that our blessed hope for healing is Jesus.
Intercessors, the need for healing is greater than ever. Let’s boldly take hold of the hem of Jesus’s garment and wait in great expectation for His healing touch.
One of the traditional blessings recited under the tallit is from Psalm 36: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).
Lord Jesus, teach us to put our faith and trust in you when it comes to supplying all of our needs, especially healing.
Are you, or someone else in need of a healing miracle? Share with your fellow intercessors below so they can surround you with prayer. Also, please share any healing miracles you have experienced.
Angela Rodriguez is an author, blogger and homeschooling Mom who studies the historical and biblical connections between Israel and the United States. You can visit her blogs at 67owls.com and 100trumpets.com. She is also the author of Psalm 91: Under the Wings of Jesus, and her first children’s book, Hallelujah’s Great Ride, was just released in September 2023.