New Life

Let’s be honest, this world can sometimes be a tragic place. Collectively and individually, we endure life-changing losses that are sometimes so painful that it seems we may never recover. Yet somehow, with God’s help, we manage to transform our pain into something that resembles restoration. Though we remain changed and reshaped by our losses, I believe that helping others is what gives our life meaning once again.

The stories of God’s people all convey the theme of perseverance, which implies hardship. Although this is true, it is important that we not to downplay or romanticize struggle. Life is hard. We should want our lives, and the lives of others, to be less difficult. This is why we help and accompany others as best we can.

I’m sure you’ve heard the popular phrase “hurt people, hurt people.” I believe the opposite is also true… “healed people, heal people.” Meaning, we can usually tell whether we know the healing power of God based on what we do and the world that we advocate for. In other words, we can only comfort others once we have been truly comforted by God.

In times of adversity, I recall the exchange between Jesus and Martha after Lazarus’ death. Martha declared her confidence about the resurrection, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus recognized her faith but taught her an important lesson about how God works. He said, “I am the resurrection.” Suddenly, Lazarus was brought back to life. God works here and now…not later. This story is not about Lazarus. It is about Martha. She had faith in the resurrection, but a limited understanding of it.

Witnessing signs of a living God working in the world is what transforms us. My friends, do you see God alive in the world today? Or are you consumed with cynicism and have given up hope? Do you believe that the resurrection is reserved for a time and place beyond this world. Or do you see resurrections happening now? Only after we see, can we begin to transform death and suffering into new life.

Jesus grieved with the grieving. Jesus gave hope, but he also did not ignore our sorrows. Instead, Jesus grounded us amid them. If you’re mourning today, I pray that you find Jesus sitting beside you. Jesus is not rushing you through your pain or pouring sugar over it. There are no lessons to be learned from tragedy or satisfying reasons why. What Jesus offers is hope. Amid death, may we look up from the grave to the one who conquered it.

With new eyes,

Pastor Lucas

Photo by Jill Dimond