Life is in 3D.  I am not talking about three dimensions, but three other “D’s:” Disappointment, Disease, and Death. I know them well. I have faced them all at one time or another. Plans did not work out like I wanted, someone I looked up to let me down. Someone close to me suffered as they fought heart disease and many friends and family suffered and suffer with various cancers. Some still live, others are no longer walking this earth and there is a void in my life. Grief and pain are a part of life. I know it and you do too.

Grief and Pain are a Part of Life

As you read the words above, you likely thought of people in your life. Those whose actions or lack of action disappointed you. Loved ones and friends or maybe you are fighting a debilitating disease. You thought of a grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse, or child who you lost to death.

You know the pain.

But there is greater pain that this the disappointment of the death delivering disease called sin. You and I know that pain all too well. We are part of if not the problem. We are often the cause of the pain.

I think this is why the song “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams remains popular. In this song, Williams shares that story that is about each and every one of us. His lyrics masterfully connect us to God’s Word and the hope found in that Word.

1. If you’ve got pain; He’s a pain taker. Isaiah prophesied of the Christ saying, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, . . .  by his wounds we are healed.” (Isa 53:5). He took and takes our pain.
2. If you feel lost; he’s the way maker. Jesus says His mission is “to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10). Jsus is after all “the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through (Him)” (John 14:6).
3. If you need freedom or saving, He’s the prison shakin’ Savior. In Luke 4 Jesus enters a Synagogue and reads from Isaiah 42:7 stating that He is the fulfillment of that prophecy, “to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from prison those who sit in darkness.”
4. If you got chains; He’s the chain breaker. In Acts 12 Peter’s literal chains fall off when an angel helps him escape from prison. The God sent earthquake in Acts 16 does the same to the chains on Paul and Silas. But not  every physical chain breaks. Paul would often speak of his chains and write from prison. Yet our figurative chains do break. Truth sets us free in Christ (John 8:36).

There is truth in the lyrics Williams sings. Christ is the pain taker, the way maker, the prison shakin’ savior, and the chain breaker. We can be free from the chains of disappointment, disease , and death. We may still face them but we face them with a hope of a pain free, chain free, eternal home in heaven with the Father.

Free from the Painful Prison of Sin

We can be set free from the painful prison of sin. Let go of the things, attitudes, and actions that are destroying you, your life, and your loved ones. Die to that person (Rom 6:3-6). Bury that person in Christ (Gal 3:26-27). Become a new creation, set free by Christ. If you want to know more about freedom in Christ, ask in the comments below. I will be happy to answer your questions.

I leave you with this poem/prayer I wrote in 2017.

Broken and Empty

© B. Scott McCown January 12, 2017

I come before You broken,
Please heal me.
I come before You empty,
Please fill me.

I come before You stained,
Please cleanse me.
I come before You a sinner,
Please forgive me.

I come before You, Just as I am
Praying for You loving, merciful, gracious hand
To lead me to a better place
To a higher land.

I come with nothing to offer You
No strength no talent, no power of my own.
Cut in weakness and meekness before You I come
Seeking the strength and forgiveness from You and in You alone.

I came before You broken and empty,
You healed me and filled my life.
I came before You stained with sin,
You cleansed and forgave me by Your blood giving Your life.

THANK YOU!