1 Pet. 2:24-25

1 Peter 2:24

For by his wounds, you were healed.

During this Thanksgiving Season, there are many that wonder whether they have anything to give thanks for. Many find the holidays a time of increased pressure and deep loneliness.

In our own family, Aunt Kat is in a hospital dying. She is a person of fiery yet tender spirit who has seen more heartache than I care to think about. Sister W. is at the bedside of her dying mother-in-law. Others have those in the hospital or are going out of town to be with dying relatives.

So what does it mean when it says that "By his wounds, I am healed."

I believe that it says that through a dying Christ, we who live and we who die (i.e. all of us) find a healing of our lives, our spirits, our souls.

It means that we do not have to live under the fear of death or the authority of death. By his blood we are absolved from sin, we are released from our bondage to pain and dying. That does not mean that we will not experience it. It does mean that it can not hold us. It has lost its authority.

All authority is in the hands of Jesus Christ. That authority is there. It is does not depend upon your acknowledgement or your belief. God is sovereign. Really sovereign.

By his suffering, his wounds, his blood, we have life. True life. New Life. Life that is not under the authority of death or suffering. It means that the last enemies of man can not defeat us. Dying is not defeat. Being killed is not defeat.

Resurrection throws a divine money wrench into the plans of bondage and slavery.

Death can be an escape and a blessing. Paul who lived with the threat of torture and death, wrote: "If I live, I live unto the Lord, and If I die, I die unto the Lord, and therefore if I live or die, I am the Lord's.

The wounds of Christ bring us healing and life. In his death and resurrection, we are set free.

We identify with his wounds and He identifies himself with the wounded.

Most of us are wounded in many ways. Just as Christ was wounded so much, so do we have a multitude of wounds. A thousand hurts from a thousand rejections. As we are rejected by people, he was rejected. If we have been betrayed, he was betrayed.

But in all this hurt, there is life. Real life. Not some nifty little life or benefit as is taught by many teachers and churches, but real life. The very life of God is present.

Christ is with us. Even in times like these. Even in times when you are standing at the hospital during the holiday season.

Christ is here. Christ is alive. Death can not stand. Stones still roll away. The impossible happens. Some are healed now. Some are healed for eternity, and thankfully will not experience further pain-ready to have a new body.

My prayer is that Christ will heal your heart and your mind and your spirit during this holiday season.