Have you heard the old joke about the man who went to the doctor and said, it hurts when I do this? The doctor said, don’t do this. That is one approach to dealing with pain. The more modern approach is to get a pain killer that will allow you to do the same activities that lead to pain without experiencing pain. So which approach is really better? Is there a spiritual parallel to this story? Have you ever experienced spiritual pain? You could think of this as isolation and alienation from your true self and from your destiny.

Are you involved with the work of redemption? You may protest that only I could do that, and there is a level at which that is correct, but that does not absolve you from involvement in the work of redemption. Does this make you think of the Great Commission, where your part is to proclaim the good news of the gospel, that is already a finished work, to every creature?

Do you live in a loud world? A prophet wanted to hear my voice. There followed a series of natural calamities but I was not in them. But after them I spoke to him in a still small voice. You may face an even greater challenge than the prophet. Even without the natural calamities, are you surrounded by loud voices looking for dominance, even those without insight or wisdom that try to establish themselves with volume and persistence? Natural disasters have a fixed duration, but will these ever shut up?

Do you like to get good news? Who doesn’t? You know that the word gospel means good news. Have you found that the people you share this message with regard it as good news and receive it gladly, or avoid you if they know what is on your mind? For those who know they need forgiveness of sin, this message is good news, but how many people do you meet with this awareness? It is the Holy Spirit that convinces of sin; if you try to do this it may explain why people are not more eager to hear your message. How can you present the gospel message so it is received as good news?