Transition
Last week my family and I went through a transition – we had to say goodbye to our dog. Millie was our first dog and gave us many years of fun, and some times of frustration too! And while we knew this transition was coming, we were nonetheless surprised by our reaction to it. Both my husband and I were in tears as we said our gentle goodbyes and we found the experience harder than we expected. It is not without sadness that we enter this new chapter that will include more freedom, and less expense and responsibility. We know it is ultimately a good transition, so we are looking forward to all this new phase will be. However, I am reminded that no matter the good that lies on the other side, there is pain that comes with transition.
Our transition into parenthood came with the pain of childbirth. Our transition from Michigan to Texas came with the pain of goodbyes. Our transition into ministry and new careers came with the pain of rejection and uncertainty. Now, our transition into empty-nesting is accompanied by the pain of loss, as we have sent children out on their own and have now said goodbye to a faithful pet.
There is no one that understands the pain of transition better than Jesus. Today, in the middle of Holy Week, I am increasingly grateful that Jesus endured the pain necessary to transition to a New Covenant. The New Covenant is better than the Old, and the transition opened a new way for us to experience an abiding relationship with God, a way we can draw close to God Himself. Indeed, it is superior in every way. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way:
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God … Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Hebrews 7:18-19, 22b NIV
The transition, though part of God’s ultimate plan and accomplished by Jesus on our behalf, was not without pain. The pain that was required, and the cost that was paid, was excruciating. It included not only the cruelest torture a human body could endure, but also the pain of separation from God. When Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” He was in ultimate anguish as He experienced separation from the Father (Matt. 27:46 NIV).
It is because of this costly yet glorious transition that we now enjoy all the blessings of God and His very presence abiding with us every day (Matt. 28:20, John 14:17). Jesus, having finished the work on the cross, has conquered hell and death and lives forever. We can rejoice because He lives and, “is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Heb. 7:25 NIV).
Not only is Jesus able to save us from the penalty of our sin, He is able to understand every kind of pain we experience. He understands hurt, discouragement, abandonment, betrayal, rejection, and injustice because He has felt all those things and more.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
During this holy week, I pray that all of us would take full advantage of what Jesus has accomplished, and, like Hebrews 7 says, will “draw near to God.” I know I want to draw nearer. I want to experience the fullness of relationship with my Creator, Father, Savior, Helper, and friend. I want to fully experience the abundant life Jesus promised. Though pain may accompany transition, Jesus provides hope mercy, grace, and help. What a Savior!
Oh what a Savior, oh Hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven
He gave His life’s blood for even me
By Marvin P. Dalton