And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. — Matthew 17:18
Men, an epileptic boy is brought to Jesus. Jesus rebukes a demon and immediately it came out of him and the boy was healed. Today, 2000 years or so later, there is still no real cure for epilepsy. It can be “managed” with rest, medication, avoiding flashing lights and abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but can’t be cured with any known medical treatment.
What happened here was not a prescription for managing symptoms. I wouldn’t dare say all epileptic cases are of demonic origin, but this particular case was in fact demonic indwelling which manifested in symptoms of epilepsy. I’m no doctor, but seeing a case of healing like this should have us standing up to take notice. The ability of Jesus to recognize a health matter in truth as a spiritual matter is something we should all take note of.
While history is filled with bad cases of overzealous spiritual healers condemning citizens of all forms of evil, neither is popping a pill down our throats the blanket solution for all matters of health. How can we know the difference between a legitimate health issue and an influence of evil? We can test the spirits, but please, do not allow Hollywood to be your guide into this subject. Jesus could “see” the difference.
The miracles that Jesus performed are giftings available to us as well, in the right context, with faith in Christ Jesus who overcame. Please, do not try to extract a demon from someone choking on a chicken bone next Sunday at the diner. But hope is not lost if you’ve exhausted all normal means of treatment as this man and boy had. Jesus can see, and He is the answer regardless of the issue. The Lord Jesus has authority on earth, water, air and the heavens. He has authority over all sickness and evil. Jesus is our answer.
Move forward men, in decisive faith in Jesus. Listen for His voice in your heart guiding us to clarity on matters of health and the heart. Allow His Spirit to aid us in discernment. Take all matters to Jesus who heals.
Vance Durrance