Welcome to Hank’s Place – 262
Last Hank’s Place I was sharing about the crisis of mental illness in the Church. And Paul’s admonition in Eph 6:17 and 1 Th 5:8, to guard you mind. How? By putting on a helmet, which he calls the helmet of the hope of Salvation.
Salvation: in the Greek sozo, total wellness, healing, restoration and ultimately eternal glory with Jesus. The hope of salvation, that we will be in the glorious presence of God one day, without shame. That helmet means we confidently hope for a better tomorrow. Of course – because the God of Hope lives within.
I pointed out the community effort, the 4 friends found in Mk 2:1-12 who brought their paralyzed compatriot into Jesus’ presence. Community is especially important regarding mental health because people thus afflicted usually withdraw, cut themselves off from others. Even from God.
But we can help – not by telling them to have more faith, or that they have sin in their lives or by giving them a to-do list for recovery. No, we can, as they did in Mark, bring the suffering one into the presence of Jesus.
I believe Jesus has a particular interest in healing the mind. Just read Is 61:1-3. Let’s pick up at the end of verse 2. Jesus, being sent by and commissioned by Almighty God – to comfort all who morn, especially those who morn in Zion – we are talking believers – who are grieving, sorrowful, lamenting, depressed over life or life’s circumstances.
Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
The Message Bible says, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
The New Living Translation says, a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Oaks of righteousness – being in right standing with God – approved and acceptable to God – without judgment or criticism. Without defect!
THAT is powerful! It’s time people come to Jesus, get the help they need – that only HE can provide – and COME ALIVE!
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