I want to share a story with you about a time when I was a Sheriff’s Deputy. I was invited to an Awards Ceremony to receive a Lifesaving Award. I struggled with this and had a hard time receiving the award.
The night was special with the festive atmosphere of a formal ceremony honoring many skilled professionals being recognized for their accomplishments. Then it came time for my award. The Sheriff read a document describing details of the lifesaving incident, and my name was called. I went forward, in front of a large audience, to receive a lifesaving metal, a plaque, and a pin to be worn on my uniform. All to remind me of the life I had saved.
So, why did I have such a hard time receiving this award? I knew something most of the audience did not know. In the months that had passed between the incident and the Ceremony, the man whose life I had saved had taken his own life. Yes, I extended his life, but he needed Jesus to heal his brokenness. Only Jesus can make a lasting difference in our pain and story. I felt like my efforts to save his life were stolen and wasted.
Jesus is our Savior, Shepherd, and Healer. In John 10:10-11 Jesus said, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. Luke 4:18 reminds of what Jesus does for us today. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Psalms 34:18 reminds us that “The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Friends, many are struggling with different kinds of emotional pains, hurts, pressures, sin patterns and strongholds that cause a host of personal problems such as anxiety, fear, depression, anger, and addictions. These things can cause people to feel alone, stuck or hopeless. Jesus came to provide a way for us to have healing and victory. 2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us there is freedom in the Lord.
In closing, let us celebrate Galatians 5:1. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” In these times, it is good for us to remember that Jesus lives, He is Lord and fullness of life is found in Him. Jesus makes our life worth living and He allows us to live fully!
May the LORD Bless you,
Pastor Jon