Devotions with Pastor Michael De Haan

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Remember when you were little, how a simple hug and a Band-Aid could fix any hurt? My kids love to play outdoors. Occasionally one will skin their knee on the driveway or get a cut climbing a tree. No matter the injury, it seems as if all it takes is a gentle hug, a Band-Aid, perhaps a kiss on their ouchy and they’re ready to get back at whatever they were doing before. In a few days the wound would heal and would quickly be forgotten.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all wounds healed that way? The problem is, as adults, we often carry chronic wounds from complex injuries in our past for a long time. Unfortunately these hurts don’t heal overnight either. These internal wounds to our souls stay with us, slow us down, and sometimes color the choices we make. They might be a brutal word from a parent, an unspeakable betrayal from a friend, or a harsh disappointment with a spouse. Whatever the wound is, it doesn’t just heal with a simple hug, Band-Aid and kiss. These wounds require God’s healing power.

Here’s the good news. Our wounds can heal through Christ. You see, Jesus knew both physical pain as well as emotional and mental anguish that come from the offenses of others. Having lived without sin, Christ took on all the pain of the world—the burden of all sin—through his excruciating death on the cross. His death brings us life. His wounds bring us healing. His forgiveness sets us free. Today, ask God to heal all those hurts that still linger from your past.

-Pastor Michael