Looking To The Cross | Day 17 | Romans 5:9-11

My son Hunter’s left elbow had been hurting with a lingering pain. After a brief evaluation, the doctor ordered x-rays. Upon viewing illuminated x-ray of Hunter’s bone Dr. Joe began with this simple statement. “Hunter has a bone problem.” He explained Hunter had an OCD lesion and it needed to be dealt with to experience relief. After our meeting the conclusion was: if Hunter’s elbow wasn’t fixed, later in life it would completely lock up, rendering his arm unbendable. Elbow surgery it is!

During surgery the bad areas of Hunter’s bone were removed and the doctor micro-fractured the area to cause bleeding. The fracturing of his bone exposed blood to the place of pain, which ultimately led to fresh bone growth and healing.

I just can’t think of his surgery without thinking of Jesus. Like Hunter’s arm, the body of Jesus needed to be broken so blood could flow, and healing could happen.

This is the simple Gospel. The Son of God left His place of perfection in heaven and came to earth to mend our hearts and hurts. God’s love was poured out on humanity through the blood that was shed by Jesus. He became broken for us on a cross so that we could know forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and healing.

Are you struggling with pain, depression, anxiety or loneliness? Any areas of brokenness that need mending? 

The apostle Peter wrote about Jesus being the hope we all need. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV).

Jesus is the Hope who heals. He’s the Master Surgeon who not only knows when and where we’re broken but is our ever-present Help in times of trouble. Considering this truth, we can celebrate the season of lent with fresh gratitude for the gifts of healing, salvation, justification, reconciliation, and hope.