My father-in-law slipped on the ice last Sunday going out to get his morning paper. He fell with his full body weight on the cement steps outside his front door and in doing so broke 6 ribs. He is in the hospital now with a tube pulling blood out of his chest cavity. I have a couple of observations. First of all, I am reminded again of how quickly life can change and how fragile everything is especially 73 year old ribs. This being Black History Month has got me thinking of the song,"He's Got the Whole World In His Hands" and I am thankful that in a world so fragile there is still something stronger than steel holding it all up. It has also been good to see how my father-in-law handles pain. I don't mean that he is so tough although the old football player is still in there somewhere. I mean that he has not changed. He is still kind and gentle and loving. Dick came to Christ as an adult but the transformation has been amazing. Transformation is never more clearly seen then when someone is suffering. And this brings me to the final observations. The Gospel is the amazing news that Jesus lived the life I should have lived and died the death I deserved to die so I could have what he has which is the delight of God the Father. It is the ultimate distillation of the love of God. It is the gospel that allows all of us to experience suffering and pain differently. That is not to say that I understand why bad things happen and people slip and shatter their ribs going out to get their paper or why the bad thing that is in your mind right now happened to you. But because of the cross I know it can't possibly happen because God is punishing you. Jesus took all your punishment on the cross...all of it. All of it...every bit of it. Not only that but whatever pain you are going through or whatever has happened can't possibly be because God has forgotten you or doesn't love you. No one could give you greater proof of their love than what Jesus did. No one. So, I watch how my father-in-law winces as he laughs and loves in his hospital bed and I am reminded of the One who winced and loved more than I can imagine and through His pain set me free from mine and you from yours.
Friday, February 22, 2008
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2 comments:
I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law's accident, while at the same time glad that the Lord has blessed you with reflection and used your father-in-law to speak to you. He is awesome! Hope he heals and gets well soon!
This is a great example of how the historic Gospel is still relevant--even in a case of broken ribs. We pray Dick heals physically. In the meantime, isn't it great that he and all those who participate in the great exchange are already (and forever) healed spiritually? By His stripes we are healed!
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