Suggested Reading: Isaiah 58: 7-14

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundation of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in—Isaiah 58:12

In many ways we have all been appointed and called by God to embrace healing ministries. You do not have to be a licensed therapist or psychologist to recognize yourself as a healer of the broken, but God has placed many in your life who are in need of restoration.  

Do you see yourself fulfilling this role the Lord has called you to? Are you one of whom it can be said is a repairer, a restorer? Someone who can speak a soothing word, encourage those who are downcast, cause the afflicted to leave your presence and conversation with a lighter countenance, hope in their heart, and one less wrinkle across their brow?

The Lord does not ask us to psychoanalyze others; we can leave that to the professionals. But he does exhort us to be people that represent Jesus correctly. To deal with the broken and hurting in the same way our Lord would have done and continues to do through willing people. The conversation Jesus had with an emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually broken woman sitting at a well in Samaria comes to mind (John 4:1-32).

She was hurting. Hurt by gossip, hurt by failed relationships and betrayal, made vulnerable, subjected, alienated, and hurt by life in general. Wounded and trying to live in a community that rejected and judged her. Christ could have beaten her down even more, added more bruises to her already scarred and tender soul if                          he chose, but instead he took the path of a repairer and dealt with her gently, helping her experience unconditional love and forgiveness. He bandaged her wounds and filled in those broken places with acceptance and tenderness. By the end of their encounter she was at peace, set free, and claiming her identity as a forgiven sinner. Liberated to go and tell others about this wonderful man she met at the well who told her everything about herself yet did not judge nor reject her. Her happy ending is the happy ending more people need to have and could have if we accept our calling as repairers of the breach and restorers of broken communities.  

Think of the people the Lord has led you to and led to you. How many have been wounded not only in the world but sadly within the walls of the Church. Wounded, broken and in need of something you have to give: a kind word, an encouraging word, a word of assurance, compassion, love, hope, forgiveness, acceptance…If the Lord has connected you, in whatever way, it is because he already knows you have what is needed to bring healing.

Being repairers and restorers is a High-Call, indeed but not unattainable or impossible because Christ has called, and the Spirit has filled and equipped. Even if you have been a wounder, a hurter, a breaker, a stabber, a crusher in the past, with the Lord’s help you can take up that calling and join the ranks of those will bring healing. He is willing to transform you to do good so that even ancient paths will be rebuilt and good foundations for those in coming generations to enjoy. He has promised to guide you continually. The Lord has promised if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desires of the afflicted your own light will shine in the darkness and even your own gloom and disappointment will be lifted. The Lord himself has promised good to you and he will fulfill it the moment you say yes to the high-call of becoming a restorer and a repairer of the broken and hurting. Let’s Pray,             

Dear Jesus, we do not ascribe ourselves to be healers and repairers but through Christ Jesus, you have declared us to be. We pray, speak a good word through us so that the hurting, the wounded, the broken can be repaired and restored. May we desire to do your will and be Christ to those who need him. We pray, lift the downcast and comfort the afflicted through your ministries of love and grace placed everywhere and all over the earth. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.