Pastors Pen
June 2023
Healing, we are looking for it, whether its spiritual, emotional, physical or all three. Isaiah 53:5 states, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Jesus’ chastisement, the punishment He bore on our behalf brings us peace. Peace because we know our sins are forgiven, we know that we have been sealed for redemption; however, we must be careful interpreting this passage in its whole context.
In chapter 53 Isaiah encapsulates Jesus’ life and ministry. We know Jesus heals us physically, we have seen Jesus do miraculous healings in our own congregation, not to mention family members and friends we have prayed that God would heal them, and He did. Yet we know deep down that any healing is only temporary. We know, unless Jesus returns before we die, at some time through several different scenarios we will be called to our heavenly resting place. I suggest that this is what Isaiah is speaking about.
While physical healing is important, relational healing is vitally important, especially among the body of Christ. Jesus being the Great Reconciler longs to heal our personal relationship as well. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;” 2 Cor 5:18. As we transition from the UMC to the GMC, beginning a new chapter in the history of the Plano Methodist Church, we need to be free to grieve what once was and seek Jesus for healing. Since the disaffiliation vote was not unanimous, we need to walk through a process of healing together, loving and respecting one another. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.
I believe Isaiah is pointing us to our eternal and complete healing. Any healing we receive now is only temporary and incomplete, we are walking in some of the blessings of those stripes now. We have the promise of eternal life through Christ who died for us with the promise of ultimate and complete healing when we arrive in the glories of heaven with our LORD and Savior. When we do not receive the healing we desire for ourselves or others in the here and now its easy to be discouraged. In those moments remember your permanent, eternal healing awaits you.
Pastor Steve