John Wimber and healing

Power Healing

I have to confess I had some reservations associated with Wimber’s name. I had heard of the excesses of the Toronto blessing, and some how associated Wimber with that – with crowds seeking after the manifestation of God’s glory (I have been one of those) and worse with other independent third wave charismatic churches who seemed to get such a kick out of how their bodies couldn’t handle the presence of God that those experiences became the bread and butter of a good worship time. I don’t disparage such experiences, but living for them seems to be a recipe for flakey half-baked Christianity.

Thankfully Foster’s introduction to the book stripped away these sentiments by unexpected shock. Foster to me has always been the quintessential symbol of spiritual depth. That he was all right with Wimber was incongruous with my preconceptions. (It was like the time I went into the coffeehouse of my youth, my favorite, to notice that they leave their portafilters out of the machine loosing precious heat between brew cycles –I just don’t know what to think about them any more!) So it was with Wimber. Not knowing what to think of him, I was open to the way he stumbled upon the Spirit reluctantly, (not with flakey enthusiasm) and found his story authentically refreshing.

I have always been taught that Christ was “wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities and by his stripes we are healed.” I never before struggled with whether healing is a product of the atonement or the very stuff of the atonement. Wimber presents the arguments of theologians arguing both ways with fairness. If it is in the atonement, then why is healing not guaranteed in every case like salvation? Wimber and theologians who suggest that it is a product of the atonement find, there, room for healings not to happen. I guess I don’t need that room. Even salvation isn’t a done deal at conversion. I believe that we await the consummation of our salvation just as we may wait the consummation of our healing. Am I saved from sin? Not yet. But also yes already. I love this tension.

Another thing that caught my attention was Wimber’s treatment of various kinds of healings. I was reading some of this in the midst of a fight with my wife over my irrational fear of using the phone. It got me wondering weather this fear required inner healing (I racked my brain for memories of unresolved hurt), or if I need deliverance from demonic mischief.

Fear at my core

Isaiah 58:6-14

Dear God,
I feel so bound by fear and insecurity. They oppress me as a slaver’s irons. Break the yoke I pray. Untie me. Make me glorious. May my night be transformed to shine as noon day. May the light of righteousness go before me and your Glory have my back. May your joy in me bubble out like a fountain.

Lord spend me as the currency to bring life - to rebuild the tumble down. Call me by my true name, that I may know my identity. Spend me that my prayers may reach your ears.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Fear creates distance, intensifies distance and aggravates solitude.  I miss you more, for fear gives me a reason to long for your comforting arms.  I miss Elaine in exactly the same way.  Once again she is the model by which you teach me of your love.  I am so glad my relationship with her is also my relationship with you, Lord.  I do call out for your help.  I indeed long for your salvation, but even more for the comfort of your arms.

Even so I count any opportunity to suffer a great honor. There I find comfort also in your forever, immutability. I am but a boy in love.  O love of mine, be near me and walk with me.  Take my hand and lets take this journey together, you, me and Elaine. With such company, I will not fear.  And free me from fear. My unfettered heart will fly to obey your every whisper.  I love you so greatly.

Fear and cares

Lord, many fears and cares lay upon me.  I am but a pilgrim venturing into the valley of the shadow. Night is upon me. Your rod and your staff touch me, guide me, comfort me. Ah, but now I am weighed by cares and fettered by fears. I try to sleep, but my eyes keep weary watch for your salvation.  No care, no danger can harm, but the ones in the heart.   For there is our bridal chamber., but fettered and crushed I am far from you.  Your salvation, your victory are at hand. I would lift my hand to your lips, but my shackle is heavy. Away with my cares!  Take them and make right again the chamber of my heart. Where your perfect, infinite, love dwells, there no fear may stand and mock. Failure runs from your presence, scurrying under foot. There, even in the darkest valley, my footing is sure!

Things to do, cares to cast:

• Indiana form - find out about 2000 celebration (general council)
• Global Paper
• Witnessing
• Job interview - call