Monday, January 14, 2013

Healing the Captives


Isaiah 1:1, Luke 4:18 - “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to  those who are bound."  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed..."

In Sunday school yesterday morning it was brought up that when we come to a place of absolute need, absolute helplessness the best thing we can do is go to God. We find the time to sit quietly and wait for Him. We may not be able to speak, but He already knows what we need. All we need to do is sit in His presence and allow Him the opportunity to speak to us, letting Him bathe us in His love, comfort, even wisdom or discipline (for our own good) in whatever we are going through.

Unless one has done this it is nearly impossible to express what happens. If we give whatever troubles us to Him, lay it at His feet and tell Him we just don't know what to do or how to get through the situation, THEN He is able to get to work. He might even be thinking, At last...you're finally going to let Me handle it. It's what I've been waiting for for so long. But we sometimes cling to something all the while fretting about the fact we aren't able to do anything about it. Sometimes we give it to God just to take it back because we don't see changes. We AREN'T always able to do something ourselves and God's timing IS always perfect. It's still, and always will be, all about trusting in His perfect ways. Abraham and Sarah learned the hard way and so often we all will in something.

Then the sermon was not really a sermon but a testimony that fit so well with what was discussed in Sunday school. I love how God does that! Bob and Audrey Meisner explained to us about God's love even during a time of infidelity and betrayal in their marriage. They showed us how God didn't take them out of the hurts but guided them through and taught them many things during their trial. It took perseverance, faith and trust in God. It no doubt meant countless hours before Him.

As a preview to Sunday our pastor sent a link to view so we would have a feel for this couple. I watched it and wept. It did not relate to anything in my marriage but it just showed so clearly what the right things were to do and how when we just do what we know to be right God can turn bad into good, mourning can turn into joy, and despair into hope. It's part of humbling ourselves.

It's not always going to be easy but, as Bob said, we might be told we need to grow up. It's not about what we want or our feelings, but what God wants to do in us and then through us. The two work hand in hand. And if we are going to be stubborn about it, He may have to humble us in the process (and tell us to grow up).

This wasn't said but I'm guessing part of what we experience when we are in the middle of something we'd rather not be is to show us a glimpse, just a glimpse, of what Jesus endured for us. Endured... We just won't ever fully understand what He has done for us. He was humble all His life and endured a lot of rejection. Who are we to say we shouldn't ever have to suffer?

Now just because this was a married couple talking about the biggest trial so far in their marriage didn't mean there wasn't a message for all people. We all have feelings at times of insecurity, guilt, shame, whatever, that holds us captive to lies against who Christ says we are. We allow the lies of the enemy to tear us down. Any thought that takes us back to any incident that caused us harm or doubt about who we were before we were in Christ has us captive to satan.

Bob explained the story of blind Bartimaeus. He sat at the gate begging for alms. He wore a coat showing he was allowed to be there for that reason. When he heard that Jesus was in town and could hear the commotion of His nearing and the throngs of people gathering to see Him, perhaps be healed, Bartimaeus rose to his feet and cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me." He was bound and determined to be healed, ignoring the people around him wanting him to silence himself. He threw this very coat that labeled him blind to the ground as he began to grope through the crowd. Jesus saw him and asked him what He wanted Him to do. Bartimaeus said he wanted sight. Jesus told him to go his way, that his faith (to the point of tossing off his coat?) had made him well. And his sight was restored.

No need to explain further how he praised and worshiped God. When He heals, it IS a reason to shout.

Audrey experienced guilt and shame. When we have done something thoughtless and wrong and realize our mistake, the last thing we want to do is admit it; yet that guilt will only fester unless it is revealed. Bob experienced betrayal, anger and probably worst of all, transference of blame. Neither knew how they were going to get through this. They were, in essence, blinded by their feelings (and sin) but with God's grace and mercy and His Holy Spirit to strengthen them, they worked out their differences and today are proof that humbling, perseverance, forgiveness and love CAN heal. They had both been held captive. Only God could bring perfect healing.

What coat(s) are we still wearing that need to be thrown down or laid at Jesus' feet that we might be healed? What lies are we still believing despite the promises and declarations of who we are now that we are in Christ? Let's think about this. Let us go to God and sit quietly listening to His Spirit connect with ours. There is a scripture that just came to mind: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1).

Are we going to persevere in our walk with God or are we going to allow the enemy to throw his fiery darts at us? We can see and read about endless testimonies of God's faithfulness. Are we going to take the time to diligently listen to our God or listen to lies? He can heal all wounds, He can heal all relationships, He can handle all those situations where you have finally given up. We must be willing to cast aside what causes us to remain captive to the enemies lies. We must take the time to sit at His feet and be encouraged remembering who He says we are in Christ.

Colossians 2:6-10 - As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

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