7/3/20 - WILL YOU BE MADE WHOLE?

What comes to mind when you hear those words? Or what emotion is emoted? If you’re dealing with past hurts that have not been healed, those words may be offensive, especially if they’re coming from someone you think doesn’t understand what you’re or have gone through. They don’t get you. But if those words were spoken to you by Jesus then that’s a whole different story. We can never accuse Him of not knowing or not understanding.

Wholeness by definition implies complete restoration. To be made whole by Jesus meant total overhaul, spirit, soul, body and everything in between. But being made whole, also places a responsibility and demands acknowledgement by us that we’re in need of soul healing. It would be pointless to be physically whole and emotionally and spiritually sick. Most outward signs of illnesses or diseases can be oftentimes attributed to our emotional state of being. This is why Jesus often asked sick folks this question. “What do you want me to do?” Giving the seekers an opportunity to acknowledge their need for His intervention.

Deep emotional trauma cannot be fixed simply by saying get over it! Or snap out of it! Or be whole! Getting to the root cause is key to total wholeness. I’m no psychiatrist or psychologist, but I’ve had to deal with personal emotional wounding, it’s painful. But Jesus doesn’t need years of therapy sessions with you, He only needs your willingness to face whatever is causing you pain and allowing Him to bring wholeness to your situation. So will you be made whole today? Some wounds are self inflicted some are caused by others. But no matter the source, the answer is the same. Jesus. Let’s look at some scriptures to support our text today.

“As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance; and they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked. “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine?”

“Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.” Luke 17: 12-19 AMP

They all were healed that day, but one was made whole, by acknowledging and showing gratitude for what had been done for him. A good therapist knows that ingratitude and a entitlement mentality will never bring wholeness. The woe is me mentality has an entire generation sick right now. They all cried out, but one returned and received total restoration.

“Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road [as was his custom]. When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, telling him, “Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”

And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:46-47, 49, 51-52‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When you know who’s made you whole you’ll follow Him. Not only do you follow, you become a billboard of sorts, giving authentication to His power to heal spirit soul and body. There are people who thrive on the attention they get from being wounded. The pity party group. But this man, when he heard there was someone passing by who could change his life for the better, he screamed out for help. The crowd tried to silence him, but it made him cry out even louder. When you’ve been in a horrible situation for years, and the answer is as close as saying; Jesus have mercy on me! You’d do what Bartimaeus did. Jesus will always stop, when faith calls His Name. Won’t you be made whole today?

“Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court, “and they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.”

Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She answered, “No one, Lord!” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.” ]”

‭‭John‬ ‭8:3, 4,10-11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

This has got to be one of the most embarrassing and wounding experiences ever recorded. To be brought to the public square and shamed. The sin in and of itself was deplorable, but kept a secret she would have lived with the guilt. We don’t know what brought this married woman to such a low place, but the way it was handled, had it not been for Jesus, would’ve had a different outcome. Hearing from Him the pronouncement of “no condemnation “ brought total restoration. Go and sin no more! Sin is the root cause of all emotional trauma Because it originates in the heart. Human to human infliction of pain comes from a place of unaddressed hurt in the individual causing the pain or hurt. Jesus and only Jesus, can and will bring total wholeness. Hurting people, hurt people. A wounded animal will always protect itself by lashing out. That’s why praying for those who have wounded us is so important. Matthew 6:12,14

“There was a certain man there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to get well?” The invalid answered, “Sir, I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am coming [to get into it myself], someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up; pick up your pallet and walk.”

Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭5:5-8, 14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I mentioned earlier that some sickness or wounding are self inflicted. This was obviously the case in this incident. Jesus is implying here that his sickness was a result of sin in his life. Most emotional trauma stems from past mistakes or failures. Our struggle with forgiving ourselves can cripple us physically, mentally and emotionally. Unforgiveness whether towards others or ourselves, is like taking a wrecking ball to our lives. Jesus offered this man what He’s offering us today. We offer excuses as the man did, but He offers us The God given ability to not only forgive ourselves but to offer forgiveness to others. We can’t change the past, but we can Change our future. Wholeness through Jesus Christ and His Word offers a lifetime of heart peace, emotional peace, mind peace and indescribable joy. Coming from a place of guilt and condemnation to grace.... well, it’s better felt than telt.

‭‭ “The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not get thirsty nor [have to continually] come all the way here to draw.” At this, Jesus said, “Go, call your husband and come back.” The woman answered, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I do not have a husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. You have said this truthfully.”

“Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done! Can this be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)?”

‭‭John‬ ‭4:15-18, 29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Most if not all of us are familiar with this account. Admitting to your sin is the first step to wholeness. I can point you to other scriptures but it’s the weekend, you have time to explore the scriptures for yourselves. Admitting that you’re sick is also the first step to getting well. Admitting that you’re angry, disappointed, hurt, upset etcetera, is extremely important to wholeness. A good therapist will always have you go back before you go forward. Jesus deals with our past so He can take us to our present and into our future. We were not designed to carry hurt, shame and guilt around. That’s why the scriptures stresses confession. We say it’s good for the soul, and it really is. Scars that build up a thick scab leads to underlying disease that can cause amputation of soul and spirit. Won’t you be made whole?

I’m appealing to those in my audience who may be suffering from past hurts. Seek out a good Therapist. Get the help you need. But most importantly seek out a Bible based Spirit filled church where you’ll encounter the Healer Himself, Jesus Christ, the only ONE who makes us whole; spirit, soul and body. Mental health is just as important as spiritual health. I’d dare to say they go hand in hand. Looking back may be hard, but it’s necessary for moving forward, if that’s what’s holding you back. I had to do it. It’s painful but oh so necessary. Forgive yourself if you’ve messed up, we all have. But do ask the Lord by His Spirit, to help you forgive those who may have contributed to your pain. It’s just better His way.

Jesus, what a Savior, what a brother, what a friend. Healer of broken hearts and lives. Restorer of everything stolen eaten and lost. You alone give beauty for ashes. You alone lifts pain and heals scars. Even when I blow it and struggle with unforgiveness you still love me. You offer grace on top of grace. New mercy every morning. Show me like You’ve done with countless others, how to receive your love and forgiveness, how to let go of my past, and embrace the wonderful future You have in store for me. Lead me to the right place or persons who can help me therapeutically begin my journey towards wholeness if that is what is needed. I trust You. Your son/daughter____________.Amen.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Written by permission of the Holy Spirit

W. Tennant