Sorrow and Joy

John 16:21 is a short, but beautiful verse of scripture where the Savior likens His death and resurrection to childbirth. He says “A women when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into this world.” As I personally know the pain and suffering that come along with labor and childbirth and in the end the absolute joy and beauty of having your newborn child laid on your chest this is a particularly touching symbol to me.

Every time I read of our Saviors time in the garden, the brutal assault on His body before His death, and finally His crucifixion I am overcome with emotion. It’s difficult to know and fully comprehend that He suffered so much pain and aguish on my behalf and on the behalf of all mankind. My heart aches because of the sacrifice He made for me personally and everyone that has ever lived or ever will live. I am filled with gratitude and I feel small and unworthy of such love and sacrifice.

In this small verse though Christ reminds us that there is joy beyond measure because on the third day He was resurrected and the chains of sin and death were broken. My heart is filled with peace and happiness because He descended below all things and was raised up so that we can have a remission of sin and eternal life. Out of overwhelming sorrow and heartache for the death of a perfect Savoir comes unimaginable joy and beauty because He lives.