"...and the Word of God will do its healing work once again."

Dear Friends in Christ,

I'm writing this while in South Carolina at Chaplain's school. The other day I received an email from a LCMS chaplain who works for his city’s Police and Fire Departments. He relayed how he talked a "jumper" off of a city bridge. Due to circumstances, he had to take the “jumper” to several hospitals to receive appropriate help. While at one hospital, the chaplain met a couple of policemen who asked about getting chaplain services to help them deal with the death of some children who were killed by family members. A time was set up to meet with the policemen, and an interesting comment was made by the chaplain concerning the upcoming days of ministry. He said, "...and the Word of God will do its healing work once again."

Think about this profound statement. This man was saying that God's Word is an active force that changes lives. He is the messenger who brings God’s Word to a crisis situation, and God's Word brings healing to those who hear it. Scripture says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

Applied to us this means we too are messengers who bring God's active word to those around us. We proclaim it, and God does a work in the hearer's life. We don't need to justify or defend it. It is God's Word which does a healing work. We only proclaim it.

For example, as I was turning in paperwork to the Program Director at the Chaplain's School, the woman mentioned that she had been told she had poor self image. A door was opened to a hurting soul. After being reminded of her baptism and how she was united with Christ, raised with Him, and seated at the right hand of God the Father (a position of honor), this woman was shocked to hear that God rejoiced over her with singing. She had favor with God because of who she was united with. It wasn't about her actions, but about Christ's actions. The implication was that if she was united with Christ, then who would direct her steps (God), who would be the author and perfector of her faith (God), who would never leave or forsake her (God). The Program Director had never heard this message even though she was a devout Christian. This simple proclamation of the Gospel brought great comfort to her troubled soul. God's Word brought healing to her soul in this simple message.

Ponder this: Knowing God's Word and proclaiming it brings comfort to us because the change or healing is what God chooses to do in people. We experience the joy of watching God's Word perform miracles in people. We are free to proclaim His Word, and people are free to hear and receive healing work from God.

Granted, it is important to understand how to use the Word properly and that is being taught in Divine Service, Sunday School, and Bible studies. I encourage you to continue learning God's Word, proclaiming God's Word, and watching God's Word as it does its healing work once again.

Excited to hear what God is doing through you,

Pastor Brynestad