His Stripes Healed Us
Sunday, May 5
1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV)
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Devotion
Pastor Franklin recalled a historical event when the wounds of Civil War soldiers glowed. He told how worms attached to the wounds of injured soldiers laying in the cold mud. These worms secreted bioluminescent bacteria that glowed. Different from what one would expect, this bacteria helped the soldiers heal faster.
Similarly, the work of the Holy Spirit can cause our wounds to “glow,” that is to reflect the light of Jesus. When we have been comforted and healed; we are to go out and apply this “medicine” so that others can heal. And that medicine is the comfort and strength we have received from the Lord. We are comforted so we can be comforters; not so we can sit and bemoan our situation or stay stuck wondering why.
Jesus died so that we could be healed. He willingly took on our sins on the cross. By His stripes, the many wounds he received including from whips, we are healed and not just physically but emotionally, mentally and spiritually too. He took on all our pain and sorrow when he hung on the tree. We have the answer and the antidote for suffering and we cannot keep it to ourselves.
When we have ourselves received help and comfort, God wants us to share our stories with others. Tell them how the great physician has healed us and set us free. Tell them they don't have to go on suffering. Let others see the glow in your wounds and be willing to share so they can be healed as well.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Jesus who did not revile those who reviled him. Lord God, I need to be healed so that my wounds glow and shine the light of Jesus. Help me to see and to show the benefits of the wounding and suffering I have experienced. By Your Holy Spirit help me comfort others with the comfort I have received and that I trust I will continue to receive. Show me when to speak and when to be silent for the comfort of others in Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Sometimes we internalize the wounds we have sustained, thinking of them as “my trauma,” “my trials,” “my depression,” “my loss.” Today, rather than holding on to wounds as your own, dedicate your wounds to the Lord. He is the one who can give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. And then those wounds will glow. (Isaiah 61:3)
Resources:
- We can expect healing from our wounds. If you have hurts from your past that you cannot seem to heal from, listen to, “Deep Wounds, Deep Healing”, and allow the Spirit of God to bring deep healing and peace to your life.
- Read and memorize both Psalm 147:3 and Psalm 30:2, and recite them until you believe and receive your healing.