WHEN TIMES SEEM SCARY

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15

Three years ago, Heather and I took Micah and Caleb for a check-up. We knew there was a good chance they were needing to get some shots. But, we didn’t know for sure and we were not going to tell them if it was uncertain. Well, both of them were due some boosters. When the nurse came in and shared the news that they both would be getting shots their faces became very pale and silent. I tried lightening the mood with some of my good old charm and humor before the nurse came back with the needles. How effective this tactic was is debatable (some people just don’t appreciate good humor). The ordeal was a lot less painful than they had anticipated. Both of them felt pretty tough afterwards.
The anticipation of pain can be scary. The boys don’t remember, but I remember all to well some of the pains they experienced when they were newborns. So much poking and prodding to monitor the health of these young little lives. As a father, it was particularly frightening watching the nurse staff draw blood from those tiny little feet. They told me they would scream. Boy did they, as the nurses squeezed out blood, their shrill baby voices cried out. I wanted so much to intervene and keep them from the pain. However, they were receiving the best care in the process to assure their health and well being. We were very blessed that each of our children were born very healthy.
Can you imagine what it was like for our Heavenly Father to watch as his precious only begotten son bled for us? The pain that Jesus experienced was horrific. It did not end quickly. I imagine that the Father felt just as much pain emotionally as he witnessed his son’s suffering. The pain was great, but it was the only way for God to save us. His blood given for our cure. His love takes our fear away.

Nathan