Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Physical pain doesn't feel good. Think about how you recover from typical painful moments, like falling, receiving a punch, or stubbing your toe. You can even throw in a broken bone or two since many people suffer from those regularly. Now, compare that to the anguish of being cheated on, losing a loved one, or a falling-out with a close friend. Those emotional, gut-wrenching experiences pack quite the punch.

We can easily measure how long our recovery might be from the physical pains of life, but it's difficult to wrap our minds around the emotional strains. 

Luke 23:46-48
⁴⁶ Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.  ⁴⁷ When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” ⁴⁸ And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow.

We don't know what it will take to fight through or experience mental and emotional stressors, but we know it's a road we would rather not travel. Jesus felt the same about physical pain versus spiritual suffering. He didn't lack the courage, but he understood the difference between dying on the cross and suffering through God's righteous wrath. He knew what it meant and what it would do to all of us. 

Please understand that we got off easy. The cross that Jesus bore carried the weight of all sins past, present, and future and the guilt that came with them. His shouted exclamation before he took his last breath was the relief and happiness he felt after satisfying God and saving us in the process. It also captures his joy in rejoining God after being separated from him, because of us. It’s his goodness and mercy. 

It brings new meaning to dealing with pain, loss, and separation. 

Questions: 
Have you ever thought about what it meant for Jesus to bear the cross? How do you see yourself knowing what Jesus did to get you here?

Next Steps:
Listen to “Mercy” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City. Be thankful and start living a life of purpose. Join a life-giving church to learn more about the heart of Jesus. Experience the wonders of GrowthTrack to unlock your spiritual gifts and discover God's purpose for you. 

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for making me new and inviting me to experience a freedom that everyone should accept. Thank you for blessing us with unique gifts to spread the word to everyone willing to listen to and see your truth. May I continue to fight for those unwilling to hear and see, so that your love may one day enter their hearts. Amen.