“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I AM doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Welcome back dear student the season of back to school is hectic - parents frazzled at the costs and lists, children and teenagers anticipating the new school year, families trying to get a few last days out together to make some memories. When the seasons change transition can be difficult for people young and old. But change is good – every day we are given opportunity to grow and learn more. But if a person is living with regret of the past it can hinder their ability to move on and look forward (Mark 11:22-25). Last week we looked at the torment of fear and unforgiveness and its relation to sickness attacking the body. You know yourself that wounds untreated will fester and become nasty. It’s no different with offence, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Not only does it have a toxic effect upon the mind and the body, but it stunts one: chained to the past. This makes it difficult to progress. “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
The Lord Jesus sacrificed His life and freedom for our sins, iniquities, curse, and pain (Galatians 3:13). “Yet it was our weaknesses and griefs He carried, it was our sorrows and pain that weighed Him down. And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God. But He was wounded for our rebellion (sins), bruised for our iniquities (generational sin and trauma), the chastisement for our peace (freedom) was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). This is such an insightful passage - spelling out the suffering of the Son of God, Jesus, the Lamb Who brought Salvation for anyone who will believe and receive Him (Romans 10:9-13). God promised that whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord Jesus for Salvation will be saved – that is Good News friend – it means forgiven, healed, delivered, and set free. Mankind had no hope of salvation, so God’s Son came down as one of us – but He never sinned, and then Jesus paid the ultimate price by taking our sins upon Himself, becoming cursed, so that we could receive freedom and redemption. No one else could save us. And His Salvation is not just a ticket into Heaven when we die, as some kind of ‘just made it and hope to scrape by in God’s Kingdom as a skivvy’. No! God has adopted us into His family making us His covenant sons and daughters, as joint heirs with the Lord Jesus so that we can enjoy the benefits that He paid for – righteousness, health and wellbeing, peaceful minds and families, joyous purpose, and fellowship with both God and others - and freedom from slavery and bondage (Romans chapter 8).
The Bible is a letter from God to you and me and anyone who will believe Jesus. Talking about going back to school – is there a letter you would write to your younger self? What would you share with that child: direction, reassurance, and wisdom? I’m not talking about sending the winning lotto numbers! But looking back, you’ve gone through things that have caused learning. You understand more now, you’re wiser, and growing in your relationship with God. The freedom that Jesus bought with His Blood has brought you on a path of restoration from the pain of the past. Now He is your Best Friend Forever – your Helper, your Teacher and Guide, and His plan for your future - no matter what age you are, is wonderful! March 4 Jesus Belfast tomorrow – please pray.