“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’” – Matthew 16:21-23
One tenet of 12-step and recovery programs is that change often only happens when the pain of using is greater than the pain of not using. This is often referred to as “hitting rock bottom.” Some folks never hit bottom, and many deny that there is any pain. In the same way, many folks are reluctant to go to the dentist because they fear pain, or don’t want to hear any bad news. But let me tell you: the pain from a cracked tooth is much greater than the pain a cavity, and the pain of having that cavity addressed!
God comforts us in our pain. God heals our spiritual diseases. Jesus listens to our hurts and hopes and brings us into a new relationship with our Creator, Jesus rescues us from the power of sin and death, and brings us into new life! This is the good news!
Please notice that there is a pattern that is followed: we acknowledge our inner death, and we find revival. Jesus is like a polite and gracious visitor: He won’t enter our lives without an invitation. (Well, actually, we believe that God builds the house and the Holy Spirit clears the path to our door, but you know what I mean.)
Peter doesn’t want Jesus to talk about the painful things that will happen to him. But Jesus says that without this death, there can be no new life.
Sometimes we don’t want to talk about our fears and hurts and frustrations. We don’t want to acknowledge our need. We want to “tough it out.” And so we live in spiritual disease and stagnation where Jesus is so ready to take that from us and give us a new start. We try to avoid admit our journey in the shadows where Jesus want to guide us into light.
And so especially in this time, I invite you to be honest. At least be honest with yourself and God. Ideally you can get to the point where you can share your hurt and frustration with another believer. Talking with God and with a friend might not make everything perfect, but you will certainly find your load lightened.
Pastor George
Jesus, our friend and our hope, we open ourselves to you. Shine your light in the shadowy places of our lives. Allow us to name our hidden hurts, fear, and anger so that you can transform them into peace, confidence, and joy. Help us to experience your refreshing love moving in and through us. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Your questions for this Sunday:
1. What does it mean to you to be “Born Again” or “Born From Above”?
2. What has refreshed your spirit in this time of isolation?
3. What in your life could be made new?