Devotion for Today: Devotion for Today "Binds up Wounds" Psalm 147

Devotion for Today  "Binds up Wounds"  Psalm 147

This month (March 2001) has set an all-time record, I think, for visits to the

doctor.  It because with a case of strep that developed into bronchitis,

and then last week, an infected cuticle sent me back in fear that I

would lose a finger. I did not want to go, in part because I feared the

poking and prodding on it would really hurt, and in part in fear for

what the doctor might have to tell me.  As I sat in the examination seat,

I grew nervous and winced in pain as the physician, unusually

gentle and kind for the experiences I have had, lanced the wound with

a syringe and drew out the infection.  He glanced down on his desk

where, next to me, I had laid a book I am reading entitled: "The Man

God Uses," by Henry and Tom Blackaby.  He was very intrigued with the

title and asked to see it.  This was something I was not expecting,

because "Herr Doktor" was very busy that morning, with patients waiting

to see him.  As he leafed through the pages, he said, "I know that this

is something I need to read for myself, as well as the Bible.  But just

how does one find the time?"  I pointed to the swollen finger that he

had just worked on.  I asked him, "Herr Doktor, what do you think would

have happened to my finger had I not come in to see you today?"  He

smiled and understood my meaning, "I thinks you vould have maybe lost

your finger.  I might have had to cut it off altogether."  Then I said

to him, "That's right and I would have spent my whole life thinking,

'why did I not go to see the doctor sooner.'  I have a wound that was

serious, but you took care of it because I could not do anything about

it or know how to make it better.  Each of us has a spiritual wound

called sin that has infected us, and if we do not take it to the Great

Physician, we will die and be separated from God forever.  In eternity

ahead we will be thinking, 'why did we not get this taken care of sooner!"

The doctor smiled again and got my point.  I was going to ask him if he

had ever asked Jesus in to his life, but the receptionist/assistant

came in to ask some questions about the next patient and then ask him

to take a telephone call.  Upon departing he winked and said, "Shall we

talk of this some more when you come back next week?"

The psalmist makes a statement in our Scripture reading today that is

reminiscent of the experience I had at the doctor's office.  He

says: "The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts

of Israel.  He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

(Vv. 2-3).  He does not say specifically what all the wounds are, but

the psalmist does say that the Lord is uniquely qualified to take care

of what ails us; especially the wounds of the heart.  When our heart-

the seat of our emotions, mind, and will-is infected with sin, only

Jesus Christ can remove that infection and apply His blood for the

cure that we will not die in our sins and go to an eternity in Hell.

Are you aware of an infection in your life today?  Give it to the

Great Physician, Jesus Christ.  Let Him take care of it today.  Do

not delay lest you wait until it is too late.  Have a blessed day.

From 14 March 2001

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@embarqmail.com

jcrussell@liberty.edu

Devotion for Today