Given May 14, 2009
Today will be the first installment of a series of posts called “Picture This”. Our minds have the ability to form images of things we read, hear, or smell. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17. Over the years, I have “seen” various video-like visions and scenes depicting situations from scripture. Granted, I’m not a young man, but I still see visions. Over the next few weeks I will share some of these in the hopes they will encourage, edify, or enlighten those who read and “picture” them.
Picture this: You are in a courtroom. The judge, God, is sitting behind the bench which is almost eye level to the court participants, one of which is you. On your right is Jesus and on your left is the devil, the accuser of the brethren, Revelation 12:10. You have a medical condition in your body that you want to get rid of. You have asked God to help you with this and here you are before Him in court. From your left you hear, “You’re sick, you have pain, you have to live with it.” You feel the pain, you know you are sick but can anything be done about it? From your right you hear Jesus say, “By my stripes, you are healed!” The devil is telling one thing, the Word of Jesus says another. Which is it going to be. Who will decide?
We read in the Bible, “Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses.” 2 Corinthians 13:1. On one side we have a witness saying you’re sick. On the other side, a witness is saying you’re healed. Which one is right? YOU are the deciding witness. Who are YOU going to agree with? You tell the judge, “I agree with Jesus, I am healed!” God pounds His gavel and declares, “The matter is established. He is healed.” Can you picture it?