SEPARATION
One of the most painful human experiences is that of separation. To say goodbye to our children as they go off to college, or when they get married or move to another State or country, is just really hard. Our only comfort is in the hope of seeing them again. The hardest of separations is that caused by death. For believers, the hope of eternal life and being reunited again in heaven, with our believing family and friends in, is what sooths the pain of grief and separation. Without this hope the pain becomes unbearable.
Jesus spent much of his final days on earth preparing His disciples for this time of separation. In John chapter 16, Jesus told them that in a little while they would not see Him anymore, and then in a little while they would see Him again. The disciples were confused and did not understand what He meant. Those who were not His disciples, thought that he was saying that He was going to the diaspora and others thought Jesus was intending to kill Himself. What Jesus was talking about was His death and resurrection. He was saying that mourning may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. He was saying that separation is not permanent. He was saying that He was going to prepare a place for them, so that where He is they could be also. Jesus had no intention of abandoning His followers, but rather to destroy, once and for all, the pain of separation.
Sin caused a separation between God and man. It was the most painful of separations. The enemy took over and evil reigned, resulting in pain, sickness, sorrow and death. Redemption provided a way for man to be once again united with the Heavenly Father. The Father’s love was so great that sent His Son, Jesus, to the earth to bear the pain and pay the penalty for sin. This is the matrix of divine love. On the cross, Jesus took upon Himself all our separation and the pain associated with it. As He cried out: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”, (Mark 15:34), the price for sin was paid for; no more sorrow, no more pain, no more separation. Love conquered sin and death and the distance between God and man was bridged.
Paul wrote to the Roman believers that nothing could ever again separate them from the love of God. (8:35-39). To bring this truth home, he lists a number of common causes of separation. First Paul says that the separation caused by tribulation, persecution, famine and distress are not sufficient to separate us from the love of God. Today, as I am writing this devotional, the world is in “lockdown” because of the Covid-19 virus. We cannot gather to worship, greet one another with a hug or kiss, leave our homes, attend funerals, celebrate birthdays or enjoy a dinner out at our favorite restaurant. Separation is now the law. But even in this time of global distress, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts. The love of God abides with us and is in us. As I have talked with colleagues and friends on social media, we have all agreed that this time of physical separation from one another has driven us closer to God and closer to one another. The love of God bridges the distance between people. As we connect with the Lord, we find ourselves closer to others. When I read the list given by Paul of possible causes of separation, I see them as mainly the excuses we give to be self-centered. There is no reason to be separated. Nothing can separate us from God’s love, so why would I ever think that I could justify being separated from those whom God loves. Think on that before you file for a divorce, or break fellowship with someone, or slam the door in a fit of anger. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Romans 8:35-39; John 14:3; 16:16-22; Psalms 30:5