"In which woe he suffered seven great pains. The first was the sore bruising that he took in his falling, which was to him feelable pain; the second was the heaviness of his body; the third was feebleness following from these two; the fourth, that he was blinded in his reason and stunned in his mind, so far forth that almost he had forgotten his own love; the fifth was that he might not rise; the sixth was most marvellous to me, and that was that he lay all alone: I looked all about and beheld, and far nor near, high nor low, I saw to him no help; the seventh was that the place which he lay on was a long, hard, and grievous [place]."
Julian of Norwich (Ch. 51)
Adam's fall affected humanity by the introducation of confusion, corruption and death. Humanity suffered physical, mental and psychological troubles in a broken world that tended towards death. People struggle with self-hatred, sickness, depression, anxiety, and a sense of alienation from God and others. We can feel and act blinded, weak, confused and lost. We succumb to many temptations and then find ourselves trapped in cycles of sin. We cannot overcome the reign of sin and death in this world. We need a Savior or Rescuer. How wonderful that Jesus came and rescued us from all those effects of the fall! Christ gave the very best He could give to solve our problem - He gave Himself. Into our sense of alienation from God He brought the knowledge of His presence and union with us. Into our sickness and weakness He brought His own wholeness and strength. Into our anxiety and turmoil He brought His peace. Into our loneliness and depression He brought His companionship and joy. Into our addictions and self-absorption He brought His freedom. Into our legalistic rituals and self-condemnation He brought His acceptance and grace. Into our doubts and confusions He brought the truth of His love. And into our death He brought His resurrection and eternal life! We could not cure our wound, but Christ could. Though the wound of sin and death was deep, Christ's power and love and life is deeper, greater, stronger. The Great Physician healed us, saved us, brought us back to life, wholeness, freedom and union relationship with God. We are saved by His life, given so freely for and to us!
"Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this."
Titus 3:6-8 (MSG)
A Prayer: Thank You that You have shown Yourself stronger than any sin, evil, problem or trouble. Thank You for Your great salvation that covers every area of my life!