"Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering....He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV)
I could hear him groaning over the phone as I talked with my Mother. When I arrived at the hospital, the furrowed brow and body flinching with each movement broke my heart.
Pain.
As I looked at him laying in that hospital bed, I remember thinking, "I wish it was me. I wish I could bear his pain. I would gladly take it if I could." And I know that if the roles were reversed he would have exactly the same thoughts.
That's love. Deep love.
As I pondered that pain...and that love, God impressed something deeply into my heart and mind.
He took the pain. He looked down from His heavenly throne and saw His children suffering in their sin. He had the same thought. "I wish it was me. I wish I could bear that pain. I would gladly take it if I could." And He could. And He did.
The love of a Father...our Abba, Daddy...sent His own Son to take our pain...not temporary, earthly pain...but hellish, eternal pain. A perfect, sinless Being bore the wrath of our sin, our disobedience. Every bitter thought...every evil deed. He took it all upon Himself because of His love for us.
Because of His love...because of His pain, we have hope...even in the midst of our pain...hope for healing...hope for freedom...hope for eternity.
Abba, words can't begin to express our thankfulness for the pain that You took for us. In our earthly sufferings, it only allows us a tiny glimpse of the pain You endured on our behalf...because of Your love...a love that defies comprehension. Help us through our days on this earth, in these temporary tents that we occupy, to persevere in the hope that comes from You! We love You!
2 comments:
Praying for your sweet daddy!
How is your daddy? So glad can comfort us and remind us, even in our most painful moments, of His deep, deep love for us!
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