Day 17 SOZO (salvation, healing, and deliverance) [S01:E17]

In this devotional from 21 Days of Prayer & Meditation, Anthony Skinner reflects on Luke 19:10 and the mission of Jesus: to seek and to save (sozo) the lost. This Christian meditation explores the fullness of sozo, salvation, healing, and deliverance, and how Christ came to make us whole in every way. Through scripture reflection, prayer, and stillness, discover how God’s presence restores what is broken, brings freedom to the oppressed, and empowers you to carry His compassion and healing to the world around you.

SCRIPTURE
Luke 19:10 states:  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save (sozo) that which was lost.

 

DEVOTIONAL

Jesus came to ransom back what was lost.  To rescue his glorious inheritance, which is us!  Yes, He came to save all of humankind. But what does the word “save” mean?  The word save is “sozo” in Greek and represents more than salvation.  It means salvation, healing, and deliverance.  It means to make whole again. Our beautiful Jesus did not just come to save a part of us.  No, he came to save all of us.  

We are born into a broken world and experience brokenness as a result.  But God’s nearness is for our good, and He wants to make us WHOLE through His presence.  Matthew 15:30 says, “A vast crowd brought to Jesus people who were lame, blind, disabled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.” We know that Jesus could ONLY DO what he saw the Father doing.  The Father wants us saved, healed, and delivered.

We must ask the Lord to help us see the world around us as He sees it.  We want to learn to love what He loves.  We want to be moved with compassion as Jesus was - knowing that God has so much more for us and all humankind than we experience under the curse.  We can fight for heaven to manifest in all we encounter.  We can pray to heal tormented minds, sick bodies, and unjust circumstances.  Jesus said, “The Kingdom is among you!”  We know that nothing is broken in heaven.  Our God desires to bring sozo to the earth.  

 

QUESTION

Where do I need the Son of Man to seek and sozo what was lost in me? In my circumstances?  

Is there an area I have been afraid to be healed or delivered in my life due to fear of the unknown or change?  

Is there any area where I have grown hopeless in calling out for a savior, healer, and deliverer?  (Talk to God about your feelings and your experience.)

Do I feel complacent with the world around me?  Where do I need to grow in compassion?

 

PRAYER

God, you came to sozo me…to save all of me!  I confess I want your salvation, healing, and deliverance for every part of me.  I want to share your sozo with those around me.  Holy Spirit, teach me how to bring your salvation, healing, and deliverance to the sick, the hurting, and the lost.