March 17, 1999, Wednesday

What is the purpose of God to afflict or wound His own

people? What are the methods of God to apply a remedy to

the wound or affliction He has caused? Is it a bright day

when the remedy was successful to a wounded or afflicted

person?

The Scripture tells us that during the trials of Job,

Eliphaz tried to encourage Job by reminding him of the

purpose and end result of God's wounds and afflictions-

"God bandages the wounds He makes; His hand hurts you,

and His hand heals" (Job 5:18). Often times wounds by

God are a method of correction that humble a person,

but those wounds are not too deep for His cure. Though

He may wound or afflict, that wound is sometimes part

of the cure which brings a person closer to God.

The Psalmist declared that the hand of God was intent to help

and heal His people that had been wounded emotionally and to

apply His words of kindness. The fact that He understands helps-

"His hand heals the broken-hearted people and bandages

their wounds" (Psa 147:3). His bandages are consolations

of His Spirit and words of peace to the believer. He assures them

that their sins are forgiven and forgotten. He encourages them

to press forward and forget those things that are behind.

Isaiah preached that the light of the Gospel would shine

by means of His grace in places and people destitute of it-

"The moon will be as bright as the sun, and the sun will

be seven times brighter than usual, like the light of seven

days in one. This will all happen when the Lord bandages

and His hand heals the wounds He has given His people"

(Isa 30:26). The effect of this is comfort and joy to the

people of God. The light that is knowledge will increase.

This is the light which the gospel brought into the world,

and which proclaims healing to the broken-hearted.

Let us remember Who is the God that is our Healer. God's

Name is Jehová Rophe. He is the God that is our Healer.

He binds up our wounds and heals all of our infirmities. To

the brokenhearted, He comforts the soul. To the person who

is down, the Sun of Rightousness Rises with healing in His

wings. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today for

the fact that He is the God that heals us of the spiritual

infirmities that trouble us!