Heavy Lifting!

We really did some heavy lifting in class this week! Our discussion around the perfect nature of Jesus was excellent. If I can do anything in our class-time, I desire to engage your mind to explore the depths of the Word and it's Truth. When we do theology in community (as we did Sunday morning), it challenges us to listen to one another, to identify and confirm truth, and to still be able to leave the discussion loving each other. Thanks to everyone for the great participation.

We discussed how Jesus lived his life "down-side up". In other words, Jesus lived life not quite the way the world does.

• When wronged, he forgave rather than seeking revenge.
• When hated by his enemies, he loved them, rather than hating them back.
• Instead of seeking credit for good works, he sought no recognition at all.
• Instead of valuing money and materials, he sought to store up riches in heaven.

And when it came to pain, instead of avoiding pain, Jesus embraced pain.

Why did Jesus embrace pain? Why did he choose to suffer?

In his suffering, he was made complete. Ironically, the more He became just like us, the more completely He was and is able to save us.

Consider this: God became like us through the suffering of Jesus. We become more like Jesus through our suffering.

The fact that Jesus embraced pain and suffering doesn't mean that we should go out looking for more agony in our lives.

So what does it mean to embrace pain?

To embrace pain is to:

• Acknowledge that we are fully human. The author of our book correctly observes that humanity seeks a life without pain, but that is a false pursuit. Pain is a part of being human.
• Adopt a realistic attitude about pain. We can react two different ways to pain and suffering. We can be angry, resentful and bitter, seeking to cover up and deny the fact that we've ever bee so weak as to have had to experience pain. OR we can accept the pain that life brings and learn to love and grow in spite of the burden. Which attitude do you have about pain right now?
• Become familiar with heroes who achieved pain in spite of what they suffered. History is replete with people who suffered great pain and suffering, yet were able to overcome and impact their world. They didn't allow their pain and suffering to push them into defeat. In spite of their pain, the overcame. Who are your pain heroes?

Jesus did not relish pain. On Gethsemane, he begged the Father to take the cup of pain away. As I stated in class, I can see how this was the greatest moment of temptation in the life of Jesus. He easily could have slipped away (the disciples were sleeping) and avoided the load of suffering about to come his way. But instead of running, he embraced the pain ("not my will, but Your will...") and he moved forward in spite of His circumstances.

Aren't you glad Jesus embraced pain and suffering! He did it for you and I. He did it because He loved us so much. He embraced pain and suffering....even to the point of death...yet HE LIVES!!!! Can you say "Resurrection"?

As we learn to embrace pain....we need to remember Resurrection is on the horizon.

Joy comes in the morning!!!