Healing For A Lonely And Wounded Soul

Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? “… I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “… I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit (Matthew 16:26); (John 3:3, 5-7).” These verses of John 3 were the words of Jesus to Nicodemus, a respected Israel 's teacher who did not understand the way of the Father. Let me share a story for all to ponder.

They were all there laughing at him and commenting that he didn't know what he was talking about. They were all slandering and belittling one who had a hard life of pain and suffering. What they couldn't see is that this soul was in great need of help and understanding. This lonely soul was really in need of acceptance and unconditional love to crack through the mask and the callousness of his heart. They were all claiming to be servants of God and soul winners, but they couldn't understand him and see through the mask although he was among them as one of them.

You read it right! Yes, he was one of them. They were all religious leaders teaching the Word of the Living God to whoever would listen to them. They consider themselves as one reaching out to the lost and the saved. Some of them were proud of their names and big titles, some of their buildings, some of the number of their followers, some of their teaching abilities, and others of the impact they had in their community. He, however, didn't have much to show forth. It is true that he had tried to do it on his own. It is true that he considers himself called of the Father? It is true that he had read the “Book” without much understanding at times. By the way, who hasn't? It is true that he has a tough approach that can run you away. But isn't it how one appears and projects self when one's soul is full of hurt, one's gift and calling are not sure and known, and one is full of uncertainties about one's acceptance by others and issues of life?

Behind the mask was someone crying for hope, love and understanding. Behind the mask was someone that knew that something was wrong but didn't have an answer. But how can someone know what someone doesn't know. How can he know that he couldn't change anything in his own strength? How could he grasp the reality that it isn't by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord? At times, it seems that the people judging him were all hiding behind an arrogance, pride and hypocrisy that make one writhe with pain and anger. They were blinded to the deepest cry and desperate need of one of theirs. After all weren't they all after lost souls for the Lord?

What was his problem you may ask? The problem was spiritual, you know. He needed a change of heart. He needed a renewed heart and mind. He needed Jesus in his heart or as they say, “to be born again of the Spirit.” He needed direct revelation from the Holy Spirit Father to understand the written Word. Even some people from the early church didn't know that there was a Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17; 19:1-6). People are supposed to speak of what they know, and testify of what they witness. Often we don't do it. Many speak of what they hear or read. Often we think we know it all, have the right answers, and have people figured out because the Lord had granted us a few experiences or we have few years of teaching the Word under our belts. But do we really?

Despite the fact that we don't understand the motives behind people's behavior, we tend to judge them. We often make presumptuous assumptions when we can't even read people's heart. Doesn't judging them make us appear self-righteous and prideful? Because of my upbringing and experiences with legalism, deceitful teachings and churchgoers, I have a tendency to question everything. Is it right to be like that? I do not think so. I am always asking God to help me when he allows me to see that tendency and attitude in me. I am still learning to let God's glory be manifested in me by what I think, do and say as I go through my journey.

Although there is only one way to the Father, people drawn by him will come to know Jesus at the right time. Everyone with a submissive heart who is willing to follow Jesus has a path to follow. And Father will help each person get there in his time. Father is the only one that can open someone's eyes to the understanding of the scriptures (Luke 18:31-34; 24:32; Acts 16:14). Didn't we all have to learn what we know? Wasn't knowledge also provided to us? The only thing we can do is to humble self and ask Father to help us walk our walk. When Father walks by our side, we learn to love indiscriminately and sincerely other people. And as we follow him trustfully, we will be able to be used by him to share his love and show someone with a hard and lonely soul his glory. We will also be able to turn others' hearts to him by lifting up Jesus. Only God in us will transform a broken heart and lonely soul.

I am learning to make the best of my time as Jesus has opened my blind eyes on some of the things he wants me to do or know. What would have I done and where would I've been if Jesus didn't reveal himself to me? As I go, my desire is to share what he's done for me with others. As James so lovingly put it in his writings, “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the errors of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

My prayer to you Jesus is that you help me surrender completely to you. I am also asking that you cast away from me pride, vanity, false ways, need for control, lack of love and self-centeredness. Above all Father I am asking that you use this temple for your glory! Amen!

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 4 Oct '08