Today, This Scripture Is Fulfilled In Your Hearing – By Thomas Koester

Over this past week, and even at this very moment, I’ve been enduring terrible pain and suffering. Matter of fact, I’m writing this post while lying sick in my bed.

During the past several days, I made peace with God and got my inner house in order, as I thought I might die during the night. It felt like my face and head were going to explode. I felt helpless.

I can’t imagine how people live with chronic pain. It’s only been a week for me. I called two local dentist’s offices, but they were closed on Fridays. Finally, this past Friday, I was able to see a doctor at our local clinic and get an antibiotic and pain pills. I’m finally on the mend. Praise God!

But what about emotional pain and the suffering of a broken or betrayed heart?

Several years ago, I had asked an intergenerational group of men and boys this question:

What would you rather have, a broken leg or a broken heart?

Everyone in the room shouted, a fractured leg!

What was particularly sad was that all the teenagers had already experienced a broken heart and knew too well the enduring and lasting pain of what it feels like to have a heartbroken.

I think some physical pain can be managed, even chronic pain. But the pain and suffering of a broken heart and wounded soul seem to permeate our thoughts and actions and distort our ability to trust, forgive and truly live and love.

The old wives’ tale that “time heals all wounds” is not necessarily accurate. Time creates distance from our days of infamy, loss, betrayal, or emotional pain. Talking is helpful, but it too simply helps us manage heartache and emotional distress.

In the book of Isaiah, chapter sixty-one, verse one, we find a particular passage of healing and restoration:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Even more peculiar is that hundreds of years later, Jesus of Nazareth went into the Synagogue, opened the scroll, and read this very passage. After reading this passage, and with every eye on him, he said:

“Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

What I want my fellow sufferers to understand is that today, for you and I, this Scripture is fulfilled in our hearing!

You see, while Jesus of Nazareth came to seek and to save sinners, he also came to heal and bind up our broken hearts. Some of us have been battling hurt and pain for so long that it’s become a lifestyle. For others, it’s become a form of captivity, and yet others, a life sentence of imprisonment, loneliness, and loveless life.

I was able to begin my recovery from a terrible dental infection that spread across my lower jaw and teeth simply by visiting a doctor and sharing my symptoms and pain with him. His experience and training as a doctor made an accurate diagnosis and a concise prescription to aid me in full recovery.

What I want you to know is that Jesus of Nazareth, who is Christ The Lord, has announced over 2000 years ago that He has come for your impoverished soul, your broken heart, your miserable captivity, and your wretched imprisonment. This Jesus, Saviour of the World, accepts doctors visits, and his plan of redemption and restoration has open enrollment, 365 days of the year! His office is never closed, and all are welcomed, rich or poor, broken and needy.

You just simply and honestly need to share your symptoms and pain with Jesus. You see, Jesus is even Lord of Lords over all doctors and has greater clarity and insight than the world’s best diagnosticians. He is the perfect remedy for your condition.

You see, Jesus completely understands our hurts and pain because he, himself, is well acquainted and experienced with it.

Also, in the same book of Isaiah, chapter nine, verse six, we read:

“Unto us, a Son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

My prayer for you is that you make an appointment with Jesus Christ, share with him all that you’re suffering; seek his counsel, his Father-heart and allow him, as the Prince of Peace, to save your soul, heal your broken heart, rescue you from captivity and kick down your prison doors! After all, He is The Mighty God and everything, even doctors and governments, are upon his shoulders.

If you seek out Jesus, you too will begin your recovery and live as you’ve never lived before. If he can save souls, he can heal your brokenness and restore your life.

“Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Merry Christmas, and a brand new Happy New Year!