Day 100: Matthew 4:24–25

They brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics (v. 24).

As I imagine all that happened that Saturday and all they saw, I know one of the thoughts I’d have had if I had been John. Is there anything the man can’t do? He watched Jesus practically bring the house down with His teaching. He watched Him confront and cast out a demon. He watched Him not only heal Simon’s mother-in-law but instantly restore her strength. Then every manner of distress landed on their doorstep.

I love Matthew Henry’s words of commentary on the scene at the door. “How powerful the Physician was; he healed all that were brought to him, though ever so many. Nor was it some one particular disease, that Christ set up for the cure of, but he healed those that were sick of divers [various, diverse] diseases, for his word was a panpharmacon—a salve for every sore.”28

His Word was a “panpharmacon.” Ah, yes. I have yet to have an ailment God had no salve to soothe. What may be even more peculiar is that I have yet to have an ailment of soul that God’s Word was not the first to point out, diagnose, then heal. His Word is far more glorious, powerful, and fully applicable than we have any idea. You very likely did not pick up this particular devotional book because you sought healing. You would surely have picked other titles. But based on my own experience and many references in Scripture, you will undoubtedly receive some fresh diagnoses and, if you cooperate, a new measure of healing. As will I. I’m counting on it.

That’s the nature of His Word. As Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit” (hcsb). How often God has had to send forth His Word and begin the healing to get me healthy enough to face the diagnosis!

I want you to revel in something wonderful. Every time God has prepared us with His Word and gotten us to a point that we can receive a hard “pill” to swallow from Him, healing has already begun. Once He confronts us, we never need to be overwhelmed by how far we have to go. If we’ve heard Him through His Word, healing has already begun.

Take heart. He is the Panpharmacon.