The Cut-and-Bruise Clinic
By
Pastor Jack Hayford
One of my favorite sport-quotes came from the light-heavyweight
boxer, Willie Pastrano. After being knocked down several times by
Jose Torres, Pastrano found himself staring up at the ring doctor.
“Do you know where you are?” the doctor asked. “You
better believe I know where I am,” Willie replied. “I’m
in Madison Square Garden, getting beat up!”
As funny as that incident strikes me, there’s nothing funny
about getting bashed up and pushed around. The boxer stepping onto
the canvas well may expect it, but when you come to the end of a
day and have taken your lumps—and often from the sources you
never imagined or expected—it’s hard to smile.
I don’t know if you feel “beat-up” right now,
but for those who might, I want to recommend an address for cut-and-bruise
treatment.
It’s called the Mercy Seat.
In the Old Testament, it’s the place God provides for people
who had been beaten up by life-failures, sinning, brokenness, wounds.
The focal point of God's answer to human need was the Mercy Seat.
And He invited people to approach it saying, “I’ll meet
you there.”
In the New Testament, He makes it even more personal, saying, “You
are not dealing with Someone who cannot understand your weaknesses.
You are coming to a Savior who has been tempted in every way you
have; and though He never sinned He understands you and urges you
boldly—yes, boldly—to approach the Throne of Grace (that’s
“the Mercy Seat”) where you can obtain mercy and find
grace to help in your time of need” (Hebrews
4:15-16 my paraphrase).
Do you feel “beat-up-on”? It’s smart to admit
it if you do. And it’s even smarter to come to the right place
for help.
Is there a heart o’er-bounds by sorrow?
Is there life weighed down by care?
Come to the Cross, each burden bearing,
All your anxiety, leave it there.
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there.
Never a burden that He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.*
Come to Him. He’s not just the Great Physician,
He’s the Cut-and-Bruise Specialist.
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"Brethren,
having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living
way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20
  Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233
(800) 776-8180 * FAX: (818) 779-8411
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Last updated on: 7/09/03
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