War heroes always take up a special place in history. Their medal is usually conferred by no less than the President, who is their Commander-in-Chief. Their award is published across all media, and the additional rewards could be reaped even by their family.
One of the most common types of war heroes are those who, despite their wounds, have managed to save the lives of fellow wounded soldiers. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be like that. Despite the wounds we have sustained, we are being called to power on and save others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
We are being called to step out in spite of our frailties because just like in war, there is not much time for us to save other wounded souls.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17
And while we may feel like we cannot help others because we also need healing and cleansing from our past sins, the Lord assures us we are well enough in God’s eyes. When we surrendered our life to Jesus Christ, and proclaimed Him as our personal Lord and Savior, and repented from our past sins, and promised to step away from sinfulness, we have been cleansed.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
And since we acknowledge Jesus as the only way or mediator to our Heavenly Father, we have now been equipped and strengthened to piggyback the wounded who are also willing to follow Him.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
May we be courageous enough to lead other wounded souls out of the spiritual warzone that they are battling. May we have the strength to carry them on our backs towards our Savior, who can breathe new life to their otherwise dying souls.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isaiah 61:1
We do not need to be 100% clean, sinless and perfect before leading others to Christ. We can never be, because only God is perfect. But we can be wounded rescuers, because we know who can truly heal the hurting people, as we have already received His healing.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
So how do we practically apply this? Well, we can lead others in our circle to Christ by inviting them to church activities that are open to discerning people. We can invite them to a bible study, or even to mass or church service. We can also share bible passages or highly relatable praise music whenever they seek our advice.
We can never help others to know Jesus if we are too concerned about what they would say if we invite them to come to know Him. If we really have been spiritually reborn, we really could not keep the good news to ourselves — we will be moved to tell others that there is a way out of a sinful lifestyle. That when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we can have peace that transcends difficulties, and there is a joyful future awaiting us.
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you have the confidence to share Jesus to others? If not, what is keeping you from doing it?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, please empower me to share your good news of salvation. I am not fully equipped, I still even have doubts about my ability to tell others about you, but please Lord give me the grace to overcome this, and fully accept the redemption you have given me. I want to share your passion for the lost. Amen.
