Respond: It’s important for us to embrace the pain, of this moment in time, which is one of the darkest days in the history of our world. God’s beloved Son was beaten almost to death and mocked, Jesus’ followers were full of fear and in disharmony, Jesus haters were angry and out of control. There was an array of pain being displayed in all directions. Jesus could have called a league of angels to stop the beatings and with one word have the governor, the entire legion of Roman guards and accusers drop dead. But, it would have been sin for Him to back down from His life purpose. He committed to God, to live and die for our eternal lives, because of His incredible love for us.
Jesus can relate with us in every way – no matter what we are experiencing. Hebrews 4:15, “Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin.” When you are tempted, it is often times because you are in pain. People usually have less strength to endure temptation because pain whether it is emotional, mental, spiritual or physical can wear them down.
In Celebrate Recovery, for co-dependency, I learned an acronym H.A.L.T. It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. Each one of these four physical or emotional conditions, if not taken care of, leaves an individual vulnerable to pain and relapse. Jesus understands our pain and vulnerability because He suffered and was tempted too. C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Example: When you are in pain (H.A.L.T.), look to Jesus, give him your attention and ask him to help you process and grow through it. He already paid the price and desires to heal you or give you peace and wisdom as He holds your hand and walks through the pain with you.
