Wounded people, that’s what we are – all of us. To watch the news for a half hour acquaints us with sorrow and grief. Constant negative news taints life around us, and in us.
The darkness of war, disease, tragedy, violence and abuse wound us physically and emotionally. That woundedness, that inner-hurt, has caused many tears, much anxiety, and despair.
Wounded by fear our souls may submerge in an overwhelming ‘darkness’. Unfortunately, some find themselves in that ‘dark place’ where they see no other option than to leave their family. My family has known and felt this wound.
Into this dark world Jesus came. He said, “I am the LIGHT of the world.” (John 8:12) The historical record tells us, “The light SHINES in the darkness”:
I SEE Him
- healing a man with leprosy
- forgiving sins, and healing a paralytic
- calming an actual storm, bringing peace to fearful hearts
- casting out a demon, leaving a man “in his right mind”
- raising a 12-year-old girl from the dead, bringing comfort
- miraculously feeding over 5,000 hungry people at one sitting
The Apostle John notes, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs …But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Jesus did not bring healing to every wound. However, He was the Light that shined revealing His deity, His compassion, and His ability to heal the ‘wounded’. Indeed, He brings us HOPE!
I HEAR Him
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
While this world continues, the dark things continue. Jesus promises healing within our wounded souls. He invites us, “Let everyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” – speaking of His life-giving, life-refreshing presence within us.
He speaks through Isaiah the prophet, “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
I BELIEVE Him
Jesus’ life is a LIGHT in my darkness. The Biblical record is preserved, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” I enjoy that life.
Jesus made this possible: “He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross …by His wounds you {Christ-followers} have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) What good news!
The Divine Physician spoke logically, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” He desires to give us life, and life to the full. We can walk in His light, live with a full heart, though surrounded by darkness.
I was wounded, but now am healed. I was blind, but now I see!
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris