Iesous Our Only Healer

"For consider him that endured such contradiction (opposition) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." Heb. 12:3


We have been called to stand as irrefutable witnesses of the saving action of God on our behalf through the Iesous.  The cosmic system in which we live stands in active opposition to our testimonies.  Because this is so our faith-confession as the constantly believing ones will face opposition.

We affirm that the crucifixion of the Iesous and his subsequent standing up (perfect tense) out of the tomb (resurrection) has changed forever the milieu of naturalistic history and its primary assumption that holds that there have been no actions or events that have taken place outside of the mandated order of historical naturalism.  However, the new event of the resurrection (Anastasis Nekron) stands in radical antithesis to such a belief.

During his public ministry and his passion the Iesous endured (Gk. Hupomeno; to remain under severe opposition without seeking to get out from under it be one's own efforts), until he completed his divine mission.

The resolute attitude of the Iesous to remain under severe and virulent opposition is lifted up and out of its unique historical milieu as an example for those saints and ourselves who were and are being persecuted for our faith-confession.

Why you ask?  I'll give two basic reasons:

1. There are those who are intoxicated by the pale image of narcissism
2. There are those who do not want to believe that we must all give an account of ourselves before the living God

These saints were provided a model of spirituality that was grounded in salvation history.  Herein is concrete spirituality unencumbered by esoteric mysticism.

"Consider Him" is a call to reckon up, to weigh, to think about deeply and ruminate over the suffering of the Iesous.  The suffering of the Iesous must be viewed as a rock or foundation upon which to stand in the time of persecution.  Their suffering on behalf of their faith-confession must become an act of worship.

On the other hand the consequences of not looking to or considering the Iesous was to fall into a spiritual lethargy that would result in sickness of soul.  Looking to and considering Iesous is the source of our spiritual health.  He is intrinsically our spiritual health.

"...lest ye be wearied (Kamno, to be sick [mind-body medicine] weariness of the mind that may hinder physical recovery) and become lax in strong faith commitment.

Are you facing serious opposition for your faith-confession?  Do not allow yourself to fall into self-pity.  Be determined to grow ever stronger in your confession.  You are not alone.  Avoid sickness of soul today by considering the Iesous.  We grow in spiritual health as we keep our focus on Him.

For more information about Dr. Josiah Rich and his teaching ministry, please visit his website.