Think about this. Had God not proclaimed a death sentence on Adam and Eve, post fall, they would have had to live forever in a world severed from its creator, alone and afraid. If scientists discovered a way for us to live forever in the world as we know it, would you really want it? Yes, God did punish Adam and Eve by telling them they would die, but death was also a blessing. It told them they would not have to live forever in this broken world in these broken bodies. The harshness of working, of child bearing pain, conflict and turmoil would be short lived. What seemed to be a cruel consequence to sin also became a merciful way out. It told Adam that it would not always be this way. And we know that ultimately Jesus stepped into this brokeness, took on himself the full brunt of Adam's punishment, and by dying and rising again gave us the hope and provision of life after this death. Suddenly being sick doesn't sound so bad. When sick, I am reminded that this body has to die before I can enter the experience of a new body placed in a new and restored climate totally free from the reality of sin.
I sure look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday as we gather in a the crowded room of Capernaum in Mark 2 where Jesus restores the hope of a man paralyzed by sin. The sin of Adam worked its way down centuries to affect this man's life, physically and spiritually. But here before him stood the new Adam with a new hope and a new offer. LIFE. It's why he came! Ultimately, whether you are sick or just struggling with life, you and I have a lot to look forward to. Sickness and the harshness of living in this world, remind us that something better is ahead. I cannot wait and in the meantime I am thankful that God, in his mercy, gave us all a way out of this.
No comments:
Post a Comment