In continuation
of our series, Miracles of the Past, today’s devotional comes directly from
the writings of that great reformer, Martin Luther. I pray it will be a
blessing to you!
In Luther: Letters of Spiritual Council,
the following letter of Martin Luther is recorded:
“The
tax collector in Torgau and the councillor in Belgern have written me to ask
that I offer some good advice and help for Mrs. John Korner's afflicted
husband. I know of no worldly help to give. If the physicians are at a loss
to find a remedy, you may be sure that it is not a case of ordinary
melancholy. It must, rather, be an affliction that comes from the devil, and
this must be counteracted by the power of Christ with the prayer of faith.
This is what we do and what we have been accustomed to do, for a cabinet
maker here was similarly afflicted with madness and we cured him by prayer
in Christ's name.
Accordingly you should proceed as follows:
Go to him with the deacon and two or three good men. Confident that you, as
pastor of the place, are clothed with the authority of the ministerial
office, lay your hands upon him and say, "Peace be with you, dear brother,
from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ." Thereupon repeat the
Creed and the Lord's Prayer over him in a clear voice, and close with these
words: "O God, almighty Father, who hast told us through thy Son, 'Verily,
verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he
will give it you'; who hast commanded and encouraged us to pray in his name,
'Ask, and ye shall receive'; and who in like manner hast said, 'Call upon me
in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me;’ we
unworthy sinners, relying on these thy words and commands, pray for thy
mercy with such faith as we can muster. Graciously deign to free this man
from all evil, and put to nought the work that Satan has done in him, to the
honour of thy name and the strengthening of the faith of believers; through
the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee,
world without end. Amen." Then, when you depart, lay your hands upon the man
again and say, "These signs shall follow them that believe; they shall lay
hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Do this three times, once on each of three
successive days. Meanwhile let prayers be' said from the chancel of the
church, publicly, until God hears them.
In so far as we are able, we shall at the
same time unite our faithful prayers and petitions to the Lord with yours.
Farewell. Other counsel that this I do not
have.
I remain, etc.”
Martin Luther (Tappert, ed., Luther:
Letters of Spiritual Counsel, nd. 18:52).
Friends, if God healed in the Old
Testament and the New, if He healed in the days of the early church and also
in the dark ages and the days of the great reformation, if God is the same
yesterday, today and forever, isn’t He also anxious to heal today, in our
day and age? Think about it!
Rob Chaffart