The Primer of Pain
Given the diversity of the human race, we all share one common experience, the problem of pain. It comes in all shapes and sizes impacting mind, emotions, body and soul. There is no corner of our lives that is safe from this enemy. It may start small but like a leaky pipe, does extensive damage over time. Or sometimes it falls into our lives like a nuclear bomb, instantly leveling our lives to rubble. But no matter the speed with which it comes, it bites deep and leaves scars.
If we let our natures respond unchecked, pain can multiply by blaming others and ourselves, giving in to addictions and self-destruction, or lashing out in anger and revenge. In our attempt to relieve pain, we only add insult to the original injury.
For that reason, the shelves of our libraries are full of self-help resources to aid us in surviving the pain that is a part of normal life. One book in particular has much to say about the problem of pain. The Bible looks us square in the eye and clearly sets the record straight.
First, pain was not God’s plan for us. His perfect plan began in Genesis 1 characterized by joy, peace and uninterrupted fellowship with his creation. But human independence thwarted those blessings in Genesis 2 and the entirety of Scripture after that reads like a “how-not-to-act” novel. Its major characters believe all the wrong things and act inappropriately, multiplying the pain of individuals and nations exponentially. But at the perfect time, God always steps in, giving them what they need to reestablish their emotional and spiritual equilibrium. The best news of all is that Bible prophesies an eventual restoration between God and his people in pain-free joyous relationship for eternity. God ultimately fulfills His original intention!
Second, God chose to identify with his wounded creation by experiencing the worst human pain possible through the life and death of Jesus Christ. Imagine God Himself being exposed to humiliation by power brokers, mocking by his enemies, betrayal by his friends, and death by slow suffocation on a cross. Why would he do such a thing? The Bible says that through his pain, ours can be healed. He showed us how temporary pain can produce eternal victory. He died the death we deserved in order to show us the full extent of God’s love for us. In other words, through the cross, we see that pain can serve a cosmic purpose greater than our ability to understand.
If we let our natures respond unchecked, pain can multiply by blaming others and ourselves, giving in to addictions and self-destruction, or lashing out in anger and revenge. In our attempt to relieve pain, we only add insult to the original injury.
For that reason, the shelves of our libraries are full of self-help resources to aid us in surviving the pain that is a part of normal life. One book in particular has much to say about the problem of pain. The Bible looks us square in the eye and clearly sets the record straight.
First, pain was not God’s plan for us. His perfect plan began in Genesis 1 characterized by joy, peace and uninterrupted fellowship with his creation. But human independence thwarted those blessings in Genesis 2 and the entirety of Scripture after that reads like a “how-not-to-act” novel. Its major characters believe all the wrong things and act inappropriately, multiplying the pain of individuals and nations exponentially. But at the perfect time, God always steps in, giving them what they need to reestablish their emotional and spiritual equilibrium. The best news of all is that Bible prophesies an eventual restoration between God and his people in pain-free joyous relationship for eternity. God ultimately fulfills His original intention!
Second, God chose to identify with his wounded creation by experiencing the worst human pain possible through the life and death of Jesus Christ. Imagine God Himself being exposed to humiliation by power brokers, mocking by his enemies, betrayal by his friends, and death by slow suffocation on a cross. Why would he do such a thing? The Bible says that through his pain, ours can be healed. He showed us how temporary pain can produce eternal victory. He died the death we deserved in order to show us the full extent of God’s love for us. In other words, through the cross, we see that pain can serve a cosmic purpose greater than our ability to understand.
The Apostle Paul started life with a silver spoon in his mouth, but his decision to be an ambassador for Jesus cost him dearly. In his letter to the church in Corinth, he gave us a brief look at the price he paid: chased, starved, imprisoned, beaten, and shipwrecked. How’s that for a pain inventory? But while in prison, he wrote his friends, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) Is that possible? Is it possible for someone who’s been so abused to be so content? Yes! Because he learned an important lesson. As pain empties us of our strength and pride, God willingly fills the void with his eternal power and wisdom and compassion. The doors of meaningful living eventually swing open when we enter the classroom of pain and patiently learn the lessons of our crucified Jesus.
Pastor Nancy Bontempo
Friends Community Church, Sturgeon Bay
Comments
Post a Comment