By Pastor Mark Moreno
Pain and Beauty
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
You may not be a student of history, but if you ever find yourself in Hawaii, there are incredible reminders of a time long ago. The USS Utah was a dreadnought battleship that was converted into a target ship after a few decades of service. The Utah was in port on Dec. 7, 1941 and was struck by two torpedoes. In all, 58 men lost their lives, but most of the crew managed to escape.
The wreckage remains in the harbor to this day, and it is the subject of our photograph. It is a picture that offers the beauty of the water and land against the protrusion of the rusty wreckage. The mighty vessel that sailed the sea is now it’s captive.
I can relate because I look at people and places and can see the strength and beauty, but often when I look closer, I can see the hurt and pain of the past. Maybe you can relate to that too! A sunken ship isn’t much different than a scar you may have on your body or in your soul.
In John 5, we read,
“One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”
English Standard Version
A man wanted to find healing in the water. We know that he is healed because of Jesus! Despite years of pain and suffering, it is Jesus that speaks a word and brings healing. No matter what your hurt or pain may be, even if it is pain that you have carried for many years, our Lord Jesus can heal you. You may feel like you are sunken ship, the battle is over and you were a casualty. But Jesus changes everything!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
