Hunt for Inner Healing

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1

Always a busy guy, Carson hunted, fished, rode dirt bikes, and skateboarded. He loved everything outdoors. But he was in a motorcycle accident and became paralyzed from the chest down. Soon depression sank in, and he didn’t see much of a future. Then one day some of his buddies got him to go hunting again. For a time he forgot about his injury as he enjoyed the beauty around him. This experience brought him inner healing and inspired a new purpose for his life—to provide the same experience for others like him through a nonprofit organization, Hunt 2 Heal. He says his accident was “a blessing in disguise. . . . Now I’m able to give back, which I’ve always wanted to do. I’m happy.” He’s excited about providing a place for those with severe mobility disabilities and their caregivers to find healing. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of One who would bring healing for brokenness (Isaiah 61). He would “bind up the brokenhearted” and “comfort all who mourn” (vv. 1–2). After Jesus read this Scripture in His hometown synagogue, He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Jesus came to save us and make us whole. Are you in need of inner healing? Turn to Jesus and He’ll give you “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3). By Anne Cetas REFLECT & PRAY In what ways do you need Jesus’ healing? Who can you tell about Him and the salvation and wholeness He offers? Thank You, Jesus, for the healing You’ve brought to me and many others. I look forward to complete healing in heaven one day.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The book of Isaiah, the longest in the Old Testament aside from the book of Psalms, breaks down into two major sections. Chapters 1–33 declare judgment upon Judah and the nations, with the promise of restoration included in the “warning” section. Chapters 34–66 focus on the restoration of Israel in the kingdom of the Messiah. Because of Isaiah’s heavy emphasis on the person and role of the Messiah, it’s often quoted in the New Testament as having been fulfilled in Jesus. Some scholars even refer to Isaiah as the “fifth gospel.” The book of Isaiah is quoted or alluded to at least sixty-two times in the New Testament. Today’s reading was quoted by Jesus in His synagogue message at Nazareth (Luke 4:17–19) when He publicly announced His messiahship.

Bill Crowder